John passed away peacefully at Bayonne Medical Center on Tuesday July 21st surrounded by his adoring daughter Simone and her loving husband Jesus by his side. John was a lifelong resident of Bayonne. John served bravely & honorably in the US Army from 1963-1965. Only two weeks later, His platoon was sent to the Vietnam war. He traveled around the world with his best friend Stephen "Moose" Attardi. John spoke highly of "Moose", and considered him family. John is survived by his loving & adoring children, Simone Lamela, Lisa Kelly, & Lawrence Kelly. The love of his life Mary Tavani. His favorite son-in-law Jesus Lamela, and his beloved grandchildren Anthony Lamela, Alexander Lamela, Craig, Brianna, & Danielle. John is predeceased by his loving siblings, Eleanor Brady, Lorraine Carne, Robert Schaefer, Terrence Schaefer, Richard Schaefer, his twin sister Dorothy Kackos, and Gregory Schaefer. His parents Frank & Katherine Schaefer. He is survived by his sisters in law Mona Schaefer and Claire Schaefer and many nieces and nephews. John will be sorely missed. We will always remember his sense of humor and his charismatic personality.