On Dec. 31, Gerald Schafer died at home, surrounded by his family, as a result of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). The beloved husband of Reginette “Regina” Sofair Schafer; devoted father of Allegra (Arik) Marcell, Ilana, Philippe and Benjamin Schafer; cherished grandfather of Ezra Marcell; brother of Annette. Funeral services were held Jan. 2 at the Burke Sanctuary at Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac. Memorial contributions may be made to the March of Dimes (www.marchofdimes.com. Please request acknowledgement letter for the family).