Robert J. Schaefer

Robert J Schaefer passed away July 9, 2025, in Lancaster, NY at the age of 97. Born July 8, 1928, in Buffalo, NY, Robert was the son of Arthur and Carolyn Schaefer. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in 1946, attended Canisius College, now Canisius University, and was a 1949 alumnus of the first graduating class of Ophthalmic Dispensing at Erie County Technical Institute, now SUNY Erie Community College.

He established his business, Robert Optical, Inc., in 1950 on West Ferry St. and later opened a second location on Harlem Road in Snyder, NY. He fitted glasses and contact lenses for his entire career. As a NYS Licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser and Contact Lens Practitioner, Bob was a member of the NYS Society of Opticians and was a member of the Contact Lens Society of America. He served as an examiner for the NYS Ophthalmic Dispensing Licensing Exam. He also taught contact lens courses to ophthalmology residents. He was a member of PROBUS (Professional Business Association). Bob was a reservist in the United States Air Guard during the Korean War.

For 70 years, Bob shared a loving marriage with his late wife, Phyllis. Together, they raised six children: Susan S. (Frank) Theeman, Robert J., Jr. (Ann), Molly S. (James) McKeon, Terrance J. (Lynnette), Mary Schaefer-Smith, and David J. (Kathleen) Schaefer; He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and is the brother of the late Dr. Arthur (late Elizabeth) Schaefer. In his personal life he loved music and played the accordion professionally in “The Embers” band when he was younger. He was a member of the Buffalo Skating Club, the Buffalo Curling Club, Christ the King Church and its Holy Name Society, and the Buffalo Canoe Club where he learned to sail and served on the Board of Directors. He enjoyed tennis, bowling, golf and sailing. His retirement years were split between Bradenton, Florida and Crystal Beach, Ontario where he spent many happy years with his wife and family. A special “thank you” to the staff of GreenField Health and Rehabilitation Center who cared for Bob in his final two years. Friends may call Sunday July 20th, 2-5 pm at the PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1671 Maple Rd., Williamsville. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Monday July 21st, 9:30 am at Christ the King RC Church, Snyder. Flowers gratefully declined; memorials in Bob’s name may be made to St. Joseph Collegiate Inst. 845 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14223 or Hospice Buffalo, Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227. We find comfort in knowing Dad’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. To view the Mass live streamed please visit www.ctksnyder.org. Please share condolences at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com