John A. Schaffer ’53

Jack, whose banking career spanned 32 years with Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. in New York City before he retired as executive vice president in 1987, died April 2, 2013, at his Verona, N.J., home. He was 83.

Carl Shaifer, Jack’s closest friend, grew up with him in Montclair, N.J. They were fraternity brothers at Andover and clubmates at Colonial with fellow Andover alums Jerry Packard and Bill Torrey. Jack and Carl were best men in each other’s weddings. Jack majored in English and was active in the Campus Fund Drive and the Prince-Tiger Dance Committee.

As business manager of the Tiger, he legally had a car. He carefully arranged his senior-year course schedule with classes only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Fridays he could drive to Montclair, see his parents, and leave his soiled laundry. Saturday and Sunday were quality time when he could date Marylou at Bryn Mawr College. Monday he could visit his folks again and pick up his clean clothes.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, the former Marylou Bianchi, whom he had married in 1955 after being honorably discharged from the Army. He is survived by his children, Robert, John A. Jr., and Sally; and four grandchildren.

Jack had a wry sense of humor, valued personal relationships, and never sought the limelight.