Sean Patrick Schaeffner

Sean Patrick Schaeffner, 85, of Ridgeway, SC died December 23, 2024. He was born April 29, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York to Victor Joseph Schaeffner and Jane Claire Fitzpatrick Schaeffner Tankersley. 

The family spent most of Sean’s childhood in Grosse Pointe Shores, MI where Sean attended St. Paul’s Catholic School. Sean grew up with his sister Sheila (Daniel O’Loughlin), brother Kerry (Cathy Whyte), and sister Mary Patrick (Michael Denton). He graduated with a BBA in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame in 1962 and served in the United States Army. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1966 and graduated from the University Of Detroit School Of Law with a Juris Doctorate in 1971. 

Sean was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Jane, his first wife, Christine (Cook), and his parents-in-law William and Alice Cook and William and Virginia Gillette. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary (Gillette), his children Kevin (Karen Yocis), Kathleen (Karen Arguetta), Sean Jr., Michael and Timothy (Carolyn Holtz), his grandchildren Keegan, Brynn, Brittany, Kevin Jr., Victoria and many, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Sean’s professional life led him down many different paths. He spent most of his working life in banking and corporate finance in Chicago and New York, was heavily involved in the leveraged lease industry, worked as a stock trader, CPA, attorney, partner at SMHC Research, LLC, real estate broker and entrepreneur. After retiring from banking and moving to South Carolina Sean and Mary purchased United Country/Carolina Real Estate Company, LLC where Sean was the Broker-In-Charge. 

He was an active member in the parish community of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Camden, SC. He was involved in the church for many years as a member of the choir, a cantor and as an usher. He was very strong in his faith and led others to embrace Jesus Christ. His faith and goodness were displayed every day by the way he carried himself. He led by example by simply being a good man.

While in SC, Sean was also active in community service. He was Director and Chairman of the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the VFW Auxiliary, Treasurer and Secretary of the Lake Wateree Homeowners Association, Director of the Historical Society, a member of the Knights of Columbus, et al.

Sean was very well liked and respected by all that knew him. He was an avid reader, loved good red wine, The Kingston Trio and was a die-hard Notre Dame Football fan (Go Irish!). He was the best of all “good guys” and will be deeply missed. 

There will be a Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Camden, SC in the coming weeks, followed by a funeral Mass and interment at St. Paul on the Lake in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI this spring. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sean’s name to The Capuchin Monastery, 1740 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207 or The Men of the Sacred Hearts, 1130 Tienken Road, Suite #212, Rochester Hills, MI 48306.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.