Edward P. Scharfenberger

A funeral Mass was offered Jan. 24 at St. Stephen's Church, Warwick, N.Y., for Edward P. Scharfenberger, who died Jan. 21. He was 94.

A native of Brooklyn, he had served with the U.S. Army during World War II as a paratrooper and a first lieutenant in field artillery; he worked in the family business, Ecclesiastical Art Co., with his father and brothers before earning his law degree. As an attorney, he worked for Ticor in Queens, retiring in 1985, then taught at St. John's University for four years.

Mr. Scharfenberger was described as someone "always involved in a project." He was a member of the American Legion and American Bar Association, a founding member of the Warwick Taxpayers Association and founder of the St. Stephen-St. Edward Educational Trust to boost Catholic education.

When his son, Edward, was named Bishop of the Albany Diocese, Mr. Scharfenberger told The Evangelist he wouldn't dream of giving the new Bishop advice, but instead tried "to give him, to the extent that I could, a living example" of faith throughout his life. That steadfast faith is sure to have accompanied him into the arms of God. Mr. Scharfenberger also spoke to The Evangelist about his "litmus test for a good person," starting with how that person treats his family.

Survivors who will miss the beloved father and husband include his wife of 68 years, Elaine (Magdal) of Warwick; his children, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger of the Albany Diocese; Miriam Muse, James and Dr. Dennis, all of Warwick, and Lois Sheptuck of Edison, N.J.; and six grandchildren. Interment was in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Warwick.[[In-content Ad]]