Dennis Ray Schaeffer, 71, of Orwigsburg, passed away Wednesday, August 30th, at Sutter Health-Pacific Campus, San Francisco, CA

Dennis was born in Pottsville, PA on October 20, 1945, a son of Fern “Nana” A. (Koch) Schaeffer, of Orwigsburg, PA and the late Carl A. “Pap” Schaeffer.

He was the husband of Carol A. (Kimmel) Schaeffer. They were married on November 5th, 1966.  He graduated from Blue Mountain High School, Class of 1963.Dennis and his parents always had an extreme passion for everything motorcycles. On March 27, 1967, Dennis and his parents opened a Harley-Davidson dealership in Orwigsburg, PA.  Fifty years later, Dennis and his mother still passionately ran their business with the rest of their immediate family. Dennis also loved to ride KTM motorcycles off road so on June 21, 2014, Dennis and his family opened a KTM and CanAm dealership. Dennis could now share his love of riding with all ages. Whether you are 5 or 105, Dennis could offer you something to ride. Dennis loved watching motorcycle racing especially AMA flat track races. He also enjoyed sponsoring racers of all ages. Eliminating neuromuscular diseases was the other passion in Dennis’s Life. He would do anything for his MDA children but his pure joy was giving them sidecar rides & lifting them in the air.Throughout his fifty years in business, Dennis was recognized by various organizations including the Harley-Davidson MotorCompany, The Better Business Bureau, The Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce, The Northeast Manufacturers and Employers Association, Winter Carnival Distinguished Citizen Award, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), The Boy Scouts of America, and many others. Dennis was a founding member of the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed demonstrating his riding skills in local parades with the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Drill Team. He was also a charter member of the Deer Lake Harley Owners Group. Dennis enjoyed ice cream rides and singing “Blue Skies” to his fellow riders. He was a charter lifetime member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and he received the 2006 AMA Road Rider of the Year Award. Dennis was also a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group (HOG).Dennis was also a member of the Orwigsburg Lions Club and was dedicated to his community. In June of 2006, Dennis was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award by the Lions. He was recently honored as the Celebrity Tractor Pull Champion at the August 2017 Schuylkill County Fair.

Dennis was also devoted to his family and loved to attend the sporting events that his grandchildren were participating in. He was often heard chuckling in the stands and cheering for his kids.Dennis will be missed by many – family, friends, customers, and his buddy Peanut, the family yellow lab. In addition to Carol, his wife of 50 years, and his Mother, Fern “Nana”, Dennis isalso survived by Two daughters, Denise, wife of Brian Calderone Cherie, wife of Geoffrey Bogotuik Grandchildren, Carleigh Bogotuik, Nate Calderone, and Maggie Calderone.On Friday, September 15th, there will be a Memorial ride for Dennis followed by a Celebration of Life Service at the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club.Please join Dennis for his last ride. The service on the Club grounds will begin approximately at 3:00 PM. Riders will meet at Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson from Noon until 1:00 PM at which time the procession to the Club grounds will begin. Anyone wishing to attend the servicesis welcome to go directly to the grounds at 958 Schuylkill Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven. All are invited to gather with family, share stories and pay their respects to Dennis.  All vehicles are welcome to join the ride. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Dennis’s beloved charity the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 1123 Brick Hill Road Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Orwigsburg is honored to be serving the family.

 Service Information