Donald T. Schaefer

Schaefer, Donald T., 84, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, January 20, 2019.  He is survived by his loving wife, Florence Kelly Schaefer of Bethel Park, PA, as well as three children from his first marriage and their spouses, Thomas Schaefer (Margaret) of Roswell, Georgia, Donna Gartner (Steven) of Scotch Plains, NJ, and Susan Schaefer (John Maguire) of Oakland, NJ.  Don’s first wife, Julia, predeceased him. They had been married for over 60 years.  He was a grandfather (Pop) to Jennifer, Brian, Colleen, Theresa, Megan, Caitlin, Harold, Andrew, Kevin and Jack, and great grandfather to Jonah.  He was also survived by many friends both in Pittsburgh and Wyckoff, NJ, where he lived for over 40 years before returning to Pittsburgh in 2017.  Don especially enjoyed the love and friendship extended to him by the entire Kelly family. Don grew up in Greenfield, PA, the youngest of six children. He attended Central Catholic where he was the starting quarterback, graduating in 1952.  He was recruited by the University of Notre Dame, where in 1955 he was first team Academic All American. Coached by Frank Leahy and Terry Brennan, he played offense and defense, and was also a kicker.  Next to his family, Don’s first love was Notre Dame, both for the traditions and values it instilled in him and for the lifelong opportunities it provided to him as a graduate and an athlete.  Following his graduation, Don played a season for the Philadelphia Eagles and then joined the United States Air Force. Don worked for many years at Canteen Corporation, retiring from the company as one of its senior executives. Aside from football, Don’s favorite sport was golf. He played golf his entire life and was a long-time member of the Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey and, more recently, South Hills Country Club in Pittsburgh.  He couldn’t play a round without a small wager, indicative of his infectiously competitive spirit. Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, January 23, from 4-8 pm at the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Avenue 15207. Funeral Thursday at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, Munhall, PA, at 10.  A memorial service will also take place at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ on Saturday at 11A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Genesis Prolife 141 N. Fremont Ave.  Bellevue, Pa 15202

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