David Schaefer

A soul filled with a generous spirit, who brought joy to so many with his multi-faceted life. His innate gift of performances for “reading his audience” and knowing just that right song that made you want to join in every time. His encyclopedic knowledge of music, history and politics and his insatiable thirst for learning more about everything made him the perfect teacher for young and old. His compassion for others was unending, dropping everything at a moment’s notice to come and help wherever he was needed.

That was the essence of David Schaefer (obituary continues below).

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A memorial service for David was held Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 6:30 PM at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street, New York, NY 10023.

** Other upcoming memorial services listed at the end of this notice.

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David Schaefer was born on Staten Island. In his infancy he was adopted by his parents Leonard and Elaine Schaefer who recently departed this world in 2022. His family was joined by a brother, Bruce Schaefer, also adopted. They lived on Stone Avenue in Brownsville, NY and later they moved to Deer Park, NY.

David began studying music with a private tutor at the age of 9, skipping his senior year he went directly to Manhattan School of Music. He studied law at Columbia University. David was an avid reader and was conversant in many languages. History and Baseball were his passion (Let’s Go Mets!)

His Private Liturgical Instruction was with and ordination by the late Rabbi Joseph Gelberman. He served as Cantor of the New Synagogue of Long Island. David received his secondary ordination from the Esoteric Interfaith Theological Seminary Rabbinic Counsel.

He was currently the Senior Rabbi of the First Interfaith Synagogue of New York. David was an avid believer in translating all Jewish text so that congregants would truly understand their prayers and praises with English adaptations of popular songs for Shabbat services at his temple.

For several years, he was organist and choirmaster for various churches in the New York area including Holy Name of Jesus, St. Monica, St. Bernards, St. Leo’s, Immaculate Conception, St. John The Baptist Church, North Presbyterian Church, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Temple Beth-El and many others. He recently subbing at St Mark’s Episcopal. He was truly interfaith.

David’s theatrical contributions include Musical Director for over 60 shows, Studio recordings and production, special material for numerous cabaret and nightclub performers, comedy sketches, and an estimated 275 songs, pop and theatrical compositions.

David was a featured pianist/vocalist at Marie’s Crisis, New York, NY and had an extended engagement at Loews New York Hotel. He toured with La Pulcina Piccola by Henry Krieger & Susan Vitucci, as pianist and multiple vocal parts. Pianist for private parties for numerous dignitaries including Carolyn Kennedy Schlossberg.

David worked in conjunction with his director wife Debbi on many productions. He wrote music & lyrics for “Christmas with the King Sisters” and “Run of DeMille” for God’s Love We Deliver. In addition, he wrote book, music, & lyrics for “Stars” (a musical play for young people), “Giving Birth to Yourself” (three women of completely different backgrounds in a support group), and “Voyages” (about the lives of Jewish refugees aboard the S.S. St. Louis, bound for Havana in 1939), Musical Revues: “Broadway A La Carte” (where he met his wife Debbi), “The Music of Your Life”, “Rhythm In Blue”, “Ankles Aweigh!”, “Innuendo…Out The Other!” (satirical review - Off Broadway), “The Dysfunctional Pianist” (one man show combining classical and popular music styles, a la Victor Borge), Special Material for numerous cabaret and nightclub performers including a song Something Special featured on CD, HEY MA… KAY BALLARD!, Cruise Line Shows (script, original songs, special material, musical arrangements and orchestrations): The Goldwyn Years (Celebrity Cruises), The Tony’s (Cunard Cruise Lines), Time Raiders (Costa Cruise Lines).

He worked on Industrial Shows (musical direction, additional lyrics and special material) for Ford Tractor, G.M. Parts, Steelcase and Commercial Union Life.

In addition, Rabbi David is the composer of numerous liturgical and classical works. He composed and arranged for “Rondo Capriccioso”, a Brass Quintet. Numerous Psalms and Songs for the Catholic Liturgy. During our Covid break he was busy composing a “Piano Trio” and an unfinished symphony about the “Gatherings” in Central Park.

David is survived by his wife Debbi Burdett, and his brother Bruce Schaefer.

He was beloved by all his cousins, his students, his chosen family and many, many friends far and wide. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Continuing Memorial Services:

9/10/2023 at 2:30PM - In celebration of David’s Liturgical musical gifts - St Monica’s Church, 413 East 79th Street, NY, NY 10075

11/5/2023 (David's Birthday) - To celebrate David’s contributions to the Theatre - The Dramatist Guild, 1501 Broadway – New York, 10036

March, 2024 (TBD) - Celebrating David’s classical compositions as part of the St Monica Concert Series - St Monica’s Church, 413 East 79th Street, NY, NY 10075

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Contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to the “Go Fund Me” account created to help support the funding for LIVE MUSICIANS for these Memorial Services and other LIVE musical endeavors in the future. See link below under DONATIONS.