Royal Sommer Schaaf, M.D.

Dr. Royal S. (Roy) Schaaf, age 93 years, of Lebanon Township, NJ, died of natural causes on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, in the Hunterdon Care Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in New York City, NY, May 31, 1918, he was the son of the late Dr. Royal A. and Helen Thomas Schaaf. He spent his childhood in Newark, NJ and had formerly resided in Upper Montclair, NJ for twenty-nine years, followed by thirty-one years in Lebanon Township.

After graduating from Exeter Academy ('35), Dr. Schaaf continued his education at Harvard University ('39) and the Harvard Medical School. He completed his internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. He then served in the Army Medical Corps during World War II where he met his loving wife of sixty-eight years, Lt. Mildred (Mickey) Carper, R.N. at Randolph Field in Texas. Following his discharge, he returned to Mass General to complete his residency in internal medicine and cardiology.

Dr. Schaaf was in private practice for three years, but then joined Prudential Insurance Company in 1953 in order to spend more time with his children. He remained at the Pru through 1980 when he retired as Medical Director. After retirement, Dr. Schaaf continued to work part-time as a cardiologist for New Jersey Life.

Dr. Schaaf enjoyed playing his flute, and for twenty-nine years met with his friend, Fred Wachtel, to play duets. He was a member of the Montclair S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. Inc. and sang with the Bitter Pills Quartet. He was an avid stamp collector, Civil War buff, loved family canoe/camping trips and cutting firewood.

In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his sister, Kate Culver (Perry), and granddaughter Kelly Brooks. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kate martin (Chad), Susan Arnone (John), Virginia Brooks, and Royal Schaaf (Vicki); and grandchildren, Lee Koch, Michael Martin, Megan Wilkins, Kevin Brooks, Ryan Brooks, Cameron Letwinch, Helen Kern, Courtney Letwinch, and Cali Schaaf.

Funeral services and interment will be private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

Over the years, Dr. Schaaf was a significant supporter of Ronald McDonald House, collecting millions of can tabs to benefit the children and their families. In honor of his commitment, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 145 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.