Rudolph Schaefer IV

Stonington — Rudolph Jay Schaefer IV, born Aug. 16, 1958, passed away from cancer on May 17, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was the son of Rudolph J. Schaefer III and Jane Isdale Schaefer of the F&M Schaefer Brewing family.

He graduated from Rye High School in 1976, and received his architectural degree from RISD in 1992. He started his own architecture firm in 1995.

He lived and worked in Hawaii from 2002-17, and was instrumental in founding the sport of lacrosse for Hawaii’s youth. He taught architecture at the University of Hawaii from 2007-12, and was a community member of St. Clements Parish.

He was predeceased by his father Rudolph J. Schaefer III, and sister Anne E. Schaefer. He is survived by his children Alexandra M. Schaefer and Rudolph J. Schaefer V of his first marriage with Jacquelyn M. Hart; and children Helena K. Schaefer and Janie K. Schaefer of his second marriage with Kikilia A. Fordham. He is also survived by his mother Jane I. Schaefer, his four sisters, Martha A. Schaefer, Edmae S. Zahringer, Lucia S. Chase and Greta J. Schaefer, and his stepgrandmother Janet U. Schaefer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 22, at Calvary Church in Stonington.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his honor can be sent to the Aloha Youth Lacrosse Association or to Academic Scholarships at his alma mater, RISD.

The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic, is assisting the family.