Kristofer Schatz obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Kristofer Schatz, 55 of East Haven passed away unexpectedly at home on January 26, 2026. He was born December 14, 1970 in New Haven to Norma Zacchilli. Kristofer is survived by his parents, son, Matthew Schatz of Boston, step-son, Christopher Cardenas of Hartford, brother, TJ Schatz of East Haven along with numerous nieces/nephews; Zachary Schatz (Olivia) of West Haven, Julia Schatz of East Haven, Emma Schatz of East Haven and Brayden Schatz of East Haven. Kristofer is also survived by his father, Ginter Schatz of Cheshire and his former spouse and mother to his son, Fanny Schatz of West Hartford.

Kristofer is preceded in death by his sister, Tamra “Tammy” Schatz (2024) and his aunt and uncle, MaryLou and George Battista.

Kris was a 1989 graduate of East Haven High School where he played Hockey. He went on to pursue a career in the culinary field working for a catering company for years before moving on to a career in the insulation field for a bit. In 2006 he landed at Anastasio Trucking where he has been until present time. Kris loved his toys, fast cars, motorcycles and anything in between. His trilogy of bulldogs over time was a big part of his life (Maxine, Zoey and Tessa). Kris was anything but quiet. He always made his presence known. Mostly with his strong loud voice but also with his off the cuff comments that would make you laugh. Never a dull moment when he had his mind set on doing anything. He would go to any and all extremes to make sure he got it done his way. He overcame a major setback after losing his leg in 2024 but he would not let it keep him down. He pursued and worked hard to get back to work driving that truck. Working was his real passion. That was the adrenaline that kept him going.

Family will receive friends on Saturday January 31, 2026 from 9 AM until 10:30 AM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. His funeral procession will then leave Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:45 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692 in memory of Kristofer Schatz.