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Gene Richard Schaefer of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria Island died Sept. 6, 2024. He was born in Chicago, grew up in Springfield Ohio, graduated from Wittenberg University and served in the U.S. Navy as a naval lieutenant aviator. Once asked how he chose the Navy, he answered that from his earliest memories he loved “being on the water” and always wanted to be a sailor. As a teenager he enlarged his passion to include flying. He moved to Anna Maria Island in the late 1940s and, after traveling the United States and many parts of the world, he returned to the island because “it is the most beautiful atmosphere and location in the world!” Mr. Schaefer felt his most important work contribution was participating in the National Alliance of Businessmen, facilitating collaborations to find or create employment opportunities, housing and transportation services for adults and youth in low- to moderate-incomes. He also worked for the National Housing Conference. He was a proud member of American Legion, Association of Former Intelligence Officers and the Aircraft Owners Pilot Association.