David Alan Schaeffer

David Alan “Dave” Schaeffer passed away at age 94 in Northport, AL on April 29, 2023. He was born to J. Franklin and Miriam (Moyer) Schaeffer on March 6, 1929 in West Reading, PA. Dave was predeceased by his brother John F. Schaeffer, Jr., his son-in-law Philip Ashley, and his beloved wife Geraldine “Gerry” (Alsfasser) Schaeffer. He is survived by daughters Kathryn Schaeffer, Kristen Schaeffer (Renee Taylor), and Karol Schaeffer Eller (Kevin Eller) and by his grandchildren Jason and Lindsey Eller. 

Dave graduated from the University of Rochester (U of R) Navy ROTC program in 1951 and then served as a Navy officer toward the end of the Korean War. After his active-duty military service, Dave was employed by the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester and earned a Master’s degree, also from the U of R. For much of his career at Kodak, he was assigned as the security department head for Research & Engineering (R&E) projects for the U.S. Government. Dave was extremely proud of the important and groundbreaking contributions of the R&E organization to reconnaissance programs during the Cold War. After retirement, he remained active with the Kodak R&E Retirees Luncheon Group and was honored in 2022 to be inducted into the Aviation and Space Hall of Fame at the Niagara Frontier Aerospace Museum.  

Dave and his family moved to the Town of Perinton (Rochester, NY area) in the early 1970s. He was devoted to the Perinton community for decades, including serving on the Conservation Board, Planning Board, and Recreation & Parks Advisory Board. Dave was a founding member of the Crescent Trail Hiking Association and served as the Trail Master for more than 40 years. He helped the town gain recognition in 1996 as a Top 10 Trail Town in the USA, received Perinton’s Citizen of the Year Award in 1997, and was thrilled when a new bridge was installed over the Erie Canal in 2012 to connect trails for hiking and biking. The bridge is dedicated to David A. Schaeffer. 

Dave will be fondly remembered by his daughters, their families, and extended family members. His unwavering love and commitment to Gerry was inspiring and an example for others. Dave’s family will be reminded of his life whenever they are outside enjoying nature, working in their yards and gardens, vacationing at the beach, and sharing the numerous family photos that he captured as an avid photographer. 

All are welcome at a gathering to remember Dave at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 17 at the All Seasons Chapel in White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY 14534. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Crescent Trail Hiking Association, PO Box 1354, Fairport, NY 14450 or the Perinton Pride Fund (online donation via Rochester Area Community Foundation website) would honor Dave’s lifelong commitment to nature, conservation, outdoor recreation, and community service.