Neil James Schafer

Neil James Schafer, 60, of Indianapolis, passed away at his home on January 29, 2018. He was born on November 30, 1957 to the late James Joseph Schafer and Rita Schafer-Dakin. Neil attended Saint Lawrence Catholic School and Lawrence Central Senior High School. Neil held many positions at St. Lawrence Catholic Church; on the sports committee, entertainment committee, and gym manager are a few examples.

Neil worked at Roche Diagnostics over 20 years, where he won numerous awards for going above and beyond normal duties. He is described by coworkers as genuine and kind to no end. Neil maintained a perfect attendance for 19 straight years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the FOEs and won the CYO Monsignor Busald Award.
Neil’s first love was playing music in the band starting in 1974 playing bass guitar for The Boss Tweed Band and as recently as January 9th, 2018 with Vinnie and the Moochers. A stranger to none and a friend to all, Neil was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, who was genuinely open, kind, hilarious, and unique.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents, mentioned above, along with his daughter, Alison Marie Schafer. He is survived by his wife, Marlene White-Schafer and three children, Ashley Schafer-Hardin, James Schafer, and Emily Schafer.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 4650 N. Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, with a gathering one hour prior to the mass. Burial to follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN. Arrangements provided by Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services – Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in Neil’s Honor.