Daniel Paul Schaefer, M.D, F.A.C.S.

Dr. Daniel Paul Schaefer passed on February 17, 2025, at the age of 71. A native of Buffalo, New York, Dr. Schaefer was a distinguished surgeon, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was also a dedicated educator and a honored member of the medical community.

Dr. Schaefer dedicated his life to the field of ophthalmology and oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, earning the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of countless patients. His passion for healing and teaching left an indelible mark on those he mentored and treated.

He graduated from Canisius College with a B.A. in Biology and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from SUNY at Buffalo in 1981. After serving his internship in Internal Medicine at the University Program, SUNY at Buffalo Affiliated Hospitals in 1982, he completed his residency training in ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear infirmary in 1985 and was elected and served as Chief Resident 1984 to 1985. An American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) sponsored fellowship training program in Oculoplastic, Orbital and Reconstructive Surgery was completed at the Wills Eye Hospital and Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 1985 to 1986 under the preceptorship of Dr. Joseph C. Flanagan.

Dr. Schaefer joined the Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY at Buffalo, New York in 1986, and was promoted to Clinical Professor in 2001. He was appointed Co-Director of the department of Oculoplastic, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery in 1989, and promoted to Director in 1997 to 2022, all while maintaining a private practice in Buffalo, New York. He has served as the Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Joseph lntercommunity Hospital for over 20 years, and served as its President of the Medical Staff, 2001 to 2003.

Dr. Schaefer has served as Visiting Professor, and lectured throughout the United States, Central America, South American, Africa, and India, has written numerous chapters and articles in the field of Oculoplastic, Orbital and Reconstructive Surgery, and has traveled frequently to several countries in Central America, South America, Africa and India, lecturing, providing medical services and surgeries in the field of Oculoplastic, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery for the needy, while also teaching the local Ophthalmologists.

Dr. Schaefer was a member of the ASOPRS Education Committee 1991 to 1998 and it's Chair 2000 to 2002, and CME Committee 1991 to 1998 and it's Chair 1994 to 1998, Chair of the Committee for Transition of ASOPRS to Board Certification/Equivalency 2002 to 2009, was on the ASOPRS Foundation Board, President of the ASOPRS 2019, President of the Upstate New York District #1 American College of Surgeons and has served on it's Committee for Membership Applicants since 1996 for 25 years, has been on the Medical Advisory Board of the American Society of Ocularists 1992 to 2009, received the SUNY at Buffalo, New York Ophthalmology Resident Teaching Award five times, was presented the 4th Kanchan Memorial Oration Award from the Kanchan Eye Hospital and Research Center, Murlidhar, Hyderabad, India in 1994, Recipient of the Signum Fidei Award from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and inducted into the Society in 1999, received the Caritas Award from St. Joseph lntercommunity Hospital in 2002, received the Lifelong Education for Ophthalmologist Continuing Education Recognition Award and Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and inducted into The American Ophthalmological Society in 2008.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Schaefer, alongside his wife, Marlene was bestowed Knighthood in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 2001 and was later advanced to its highest rank, Knight of the Grand Cross, in 2011.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Schaefer enjoyed flying single engine airplanes, motorcycles, scuba, snorkeling, traveling, sports, skiing and music. He was a man of integrity and unwavering love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Arthur J. Schaefer and Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Schaefer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene Ann Schaefer RN, with whom he shared 45 years of love and partnership.

Dr. Schaefer was a devoted father to Dawn Marie Schaefer-Jex, Jamie Lea Schaefer-Poling (Daniel Paul Poling), and Alyce Daniela Schaefer-Brooks (Andrew Eric Brooks). He was a cherished grandfather to Danni Elizabeth Jex, Liviana Faye Poling, and Quinton Eric Brooks, and he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his fourth grandchild (Brooks).

He is also survived by his loving siblings, A. Dale Schaefer, Janet Marie Sebastian, and Nancy Beth Murray, and several nieces and nephews who will forever treasure his memory.

Family and friends may call Friday February 28th from 3:00 pm to 7:00pm at Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home at 1671 Maple Road, Williamsville, NY 14221. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on March 1st, 9am at Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica at 767 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to ASOPRS Foundation (https://asoprsfdn.memberclicks.net/daniel_schaefer), in honor of his lifelong dedication to serving others.

Dr. Schaefer's legacy of compassion, excellence, and commitment will be deeply missed by all who knew him.