Schafer retires after 4 decades of dedicated service to Catholic Cemeteries

After a remarkable 23-year tenure as Executive Director, Andrew P. Schafer bid farewell to friends and colleagues, concluding four decades of service to Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark. A retirement reception was celebrated on Jan. 30 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Newark.

“I am very grateful for Andy Schafer and his service in one of the most delicate ministries of the Catholic Church,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, to the clergy, religious and staff who gathered to honor Schafer. “How the disciples of Jesus care for our dead should be an exercise of faith in our risen Lord and hope that Jesus will wipe every tear from the eyes of those who mourn. It is also an expression of love for God, who is the source of eternal life. Andy has led a team of compassionate men and women who ensure that families can celebrate the faithfulness of God for their beloved deceased and cherish their memory in faith and beauty.”

Schafer was universally praised by other presenters who spoke of his faith, character, notable leadership and achievements, and dedicated service. It was clear that Schafer’s longtime service to Catholic Cemeteries has been nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership style is characterized by a harmonious blend of empathy and strategic vision and key milestones and achievements that underscore his ability to navigate challenges and implement innovative initiatives that have left an indelible mark on the organization.

Schafer’s journey began with a passion for serving both the departed and the living. In 1981, he started as a sales representative at Acme Marble and Granite for the first mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. When Acme’s contract expired, he was hired directly by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, marking the beginning of his incredible 40-year commitment to this ministry.

At Catholic Cemeteries, he began his career as a sales representative, moving up the ranks to become assistant sales manager, then sales manager and director of sales. Eventually, he took on the role of acting executive director. On April 1, 2001, he was appointed Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries.

“It is no happenstance that our Archdiocesan network of Catholic cemeteries and the management of the Catholic Cemeteries office and operation enjoy not only national but international recognition and acclaim,” stated Schafer’s dear friend and former Archdiocesan Vicar General, Monsignor Michael Andreano, during the retirement celebration. “It was no happenstance that Andy Schafer was identified from among the management staff to be the person to whom to entrust a very different operation and function within the Church.”

Under his leadership, Schafer oversaw a vast network of 10 successful Archdiocesan Cemeteries with a team of 160 dedicated employees who facilitated more than 5,800 interments annually. His responsibilities spanned all facets of cemetery ministry activities, including cemetery mausoleum construction and improvement initiatives and pre-need sales and marketing endeavors. His personal reflections underscore the importance of compassion in funerals, the wisdom of pre-arrangements, and the continual growth of faith through his journey.

Among some of Schafer’s many notable achievements as executive director was advising the 14 parish cemeteries in the Archdiocese’s four counties, fostering a unified and cohesive approach to their operations. He also steered his team to record-breaking sales success and oversaw the construction of 60,000 crypt spaces.

“Andy’s legacy is literally etched in stone,” said Joseph Heckel, the new executive director of Catholic Cemeteries, acknowledging Schafer’s visionary accomplishments. “You can visit Holy Cross Cemetery and see the largest Catholic mausoleum in the country and two more buildings currently under construction. Maryrest in Mahwah was like a small parish cemetery but is now a massive complex featuring three mausoleums and the only Catholic Green Burial section in New Jersey.”

“There is much more, but if you ask Andy what he built during his career, he will talk about his amazing team,” said Heckel. “We have a talented team because great leaders attract great people… they all have a passion that was passed down from Andy Schafer.”

In succession planning, Schafer had diligently paved the way for a seamless transition. Heckel was named his successor as executive director in July 2023, possessing crucial traits of integrity, good communication, and team-building skills.

Legacy projects that stand as testaments to Schafer’s vision include multiple chapel mausoleums with world-class artwork, mosaics, and stained glass; the salvage and restoration of liturgical artworks and windows from closing local churches through a novel patrimony program; the poignant 9/11 Memorial at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington; the Continuing the Journey planning guide for families, funeral directors, cemeteries and parishes highlighting the Order of Christian Funerals; and the annual Mass for Deceased Clergy honoring the lives and vocations of priests and deacons who have passed.

Schafer shared a profound commitment to the sacred responsibility of managing Catholic cemeteries with a growing team. Strategic hires across various roles throughout the years, including financial control, IT cemetery specialists, an operations director, and a marketing director, enhanced the efficiency and beauty of the cemeteries. Hiring a safety engineer prioritized the protection of both staff and visitors while engaging a licensed architect and civil engineer effectively reduced construction costs.

“What always impressed me most was anytime someone called Andy the boss, he stopped them, pointed up to heaven and said, ‘He’s the boss. We all work together’,” remarked Joseph Verzi, former Assistant Executive Director and now part-time Planning and Development Advisor to Catholic Cemeteries. Verzi worked alongside Schafer as “his right-hand man” since 1987.

Schafer’s tenure was characterized by a strong commitment to community engagement. He actively cultivated partnerships with organizations such as Catholic Charities to establish clothing donation drop-boxes at all cemetery locations. He also initiated memorialization programs like the Holy Innocence/Weeping Rachel Project with the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, he launched an annual birdhouse-building program for teens organized by the Archdiocese’s Catholic Youth Office.

Beyond the Archdiocese of Newark, Schafer’s impact extended to leadership roles within the National Catholic Cemetery Conference (CCC). His term as CCC President concluded in 2016, and his commitment to the organization was evident through prior roles as Vice President, Treasurer, First Response Team Chair, Convention Program Committee Chair, and Committee on the Future member. His dedication to continuous improvement was further showcased as a graduate of the CCC School of Leadership and Management Excellence, where he taught a course in Sales and Marketing, and his efforts were duly recognized with the prestigious CCCE designation in 2007.

Schafer’s commitment to public service extended beyond the cemetery gates. In his hometown of Randolph, NJ, he served as Deputy Mayor and Councilman for four years, exemplifying a dedication to community well beyond his professional responsibilities. At Resurrection Church, Schafer served regularly as a Eucharistic Minister and was a team leader of its Confirming Caring Group, demonstrating a devotion to spiritual care that transcended the workplace. Schafer also is a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, showcasing his commitment to the Catholic faith and its broader global community.

Amidst professional achievements and community service, Schafer treasures life’s greatest joys in his family — his wife, Teri, three married daughters, and six grandchildren. His retirement plans include cherishing time with his family, traveling, and volunteering.

Expressing gratitude and bidding farewell, Schafer extended heartfelt thanks to the staff, union workers, senior directors, religious, and clergy, including the unwavering support of Cardinal Tobin and the late Archbishop Myers.

“It has been a wonderful faith journey,” said Schafer, closing out the reception in his honor. “It is time to step aside and watch the next generation improve upon what we’ve already built. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served this great Archdiocese of Newark… I am grateful for the friendships I have made with my colleagues… and grateful for the love, support and patience of my family.”

He concluded his remarks and said, “The people have always been the best part of my work… I am proud of what we have accomplished together… all in honor of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”  

Though Newark will no longer be a regular stop on his travels, Schafer said that Newark will remain in his heart. Schafer’s impact will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come. The legacy he leaves behind is one of unparalleled dedication, transformative leadership, and a deep commitment to the spiritual well-being of those he served. 

Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, joins Andrew P. Schafer at his retirement reception at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Newark on January 30, 2024. (Image courtesy of Archdiocese of Newark/Alexandra Rojas)