Harold ‘Smokey’ Schaefer

Lifelong Riverhead resident Harold Schaefer, known as Smokey, died Feb. 7 at Peconic Bay Medical Center. He was 94. 

He was born in Riverhead April 4, 1919, to Anthony and Martha Schaefer and graduated from Riverhead High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 and had been employed as a serviceman at Firestone in Riverhead.

Mr. Schaefer was very involved in the Riverhead Fire Department, serving for over 70 years and earning the distinction of being its oldest living member. He was also involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Van Rensselaer-Skidmore Post 2476 in Riverhead. Relatives said he enjoyed fishing and spending time with family.

Predeceased by his wife, Geraldine, in 2000, Mr. Schaefer is survived by his son, Kevin, of South Carolina; his daughters, Marie Madigan and Kathleen, both of Riverhead; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a funeral service will take place Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will be at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Riverhead Fire Department Ever-Ready Engine Company No. 3.