NEW WATERFORD – Russell H. Schaefer, Jr., 77, of New Waterford, passed away Thursday May 4, 2023.

Russell was born on October 7, 1945, in Youngstown, a son of Russell and Helen (Kernyat) Schaefer, Sr. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and boating with his family.  He liked working and spending time outside making his home beautiful.  He enjoyed building and was a skilled craftsman.  He was a Master Mason at the Negley Masonic Lodge #565 and a Shriner.

He was a true entrepreneur and succeeded in many fields.  He started in a machine shop and did siding.  He was the Vice-President of Evel-Gada and built the interior of the Hummel Gift Shop in New Springfield, OH.  He learned to drive truck and delivered popcorn to Hills Stores in 27 states.  He helped operate concession stands and sold Christmas trees as well as moving houses with Ron Coppock House Movers.  He then became an owner/operator and started R. Schaefer & Sons while traveling the country.

He was a loving father, passionate teacher, and devoted husband who cared deeply for his family and friends.

He leaves his wife Ellen Sue Benzenhoefer Schaefer, whom he married December 2, 1972; children Sheri Lynn Kenney of Boise, ID, Christine Marie Mitchell of Los Angeles, CA and David Adam (Julie) Schaefer of Portland, TN; ten grandchildren Simon Crawley of Seattle, WA, Sloan Schaefer of Pulaski, PA, Nicole Kenney, Katheryn Treasure (Brandon Nixon), Kelsey Martin (Devin Martin), Madelyn Kenney, and Audrey Kenney, all of Boise, ID, Randal Schaefer of Leetonia, Elliott Schaefer of Los Angeles, CA and Billie Schaefer of Portland, TN; and great-grandchildren Phoenix Harju of Pittsburgh, PA and Alaina and Harrison Martin of Boise, ID; and siblings Helen (Phillip) Lownes of Richmond, VA, Paul (Judy) Schaefer of Oregonia, OH, John (Jean) Schaefer of Jefferson, OH, Joe Schaefer and Nora Farrell (Gary Cramblitt) of Cambroule, MD. .

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elsie Cole, sons Russell III and William and great-granddaughter Octavia Waters..

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 11:00 am at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, May 9th at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm St., Columbiana. He will be honored by fellow Masons at 7:30 pm. Friends may also call at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10th,  an hour before the services at the funeral home.

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.