Benjamin W. Schaeffer, born April 27 1962, passed away on April 29 2020 following a battle with COVID-19 at Maimonides Hospital.
He lived at 1818 Ocean Avenue, on the corner of Avenue N.
Schaeffer was the definition of a public servant. He served as a conductor for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for 23 years, eventually being elected the Transit Worker’s Union’s Local 100’s RTO Conductor Vice Chair.
Locally, he was a common face to many Midwood residents. In the 70 Precinct, Schaeffer served as Auxiliary Police Sergeant and a member of the Precinct Community Council. He was also a member of southern Brooklyn’s Bay Democrats club and frequented meetings of Community Board 14.
In 2018, Schaeffer made citywide news when he promptly evacuated his N-train after smelling gasoline, potentially saving hundreds of lives.
Benjamin, or Ben, as he was often called, was civically active and always believed in serving his neighborhood. He was proud of his Jewish faith and spoke up when his employer required proof of his Judaism to take time off on the holy days of Yom Kippur.
He felt strongly about combating anti-Semitism in all forms, as well as bringing together Jewish singles who were struggling to find partners. He enjoyed visiting synagogues of multiple denominations and attempted to build bridges wherever possible.
From all across southern Brooklyn, Ben was known as someone who would never hesitate to engage in a conversation, discuss life or current events and bring a positive and uplifting spirit to even the most basic occasion.
“Ben was a great caring person who brought a lot of energy to everything he got involved in,” wrote Midwood resident and neighbor Mike Wright. “We will always remember him. Sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. BDE.”