Daniel P. Schaertel Obituary, Death – New York State Police have released the identity of the man who was killed in a fiery crash involving a garbage truck earlier this week on Interstate 590 in Rochester. The deadly accident occurred in the southbound lanes of I-590, between Elmwood and Highland avenues, just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9. According to state troopers, the victim has been identified as 67-year-old Daniel P. Schaertel, a longtime Rochester resident.
Investigators say Schaertel was driving his 1973 Chevrolet Corvette when he attempted to pass a garbage truck. In the process, his car collided with the truck and was forced to the right side of the roadway, where it became entangled with the front of the larger vehicle. Almost immediately after the impact, the Corvette caught fire and was quickly engulfed in flames. Schaertel did not survive the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The two people inside the garbage truck, the driver and a passenger, were not hurt. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Beyond the tragedy of the crash itself, family, friends, and colleagues are mourning the loss of Schaertel, who was remembered as both a dedicated professional and a family man. According to his obituary, Schaertel was a software engineer who spent many years working in the technology field, most recently as a senior software engineer at Harris Corporation in Rochester. His professional life was marked by a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Outside of work, Schaertel’s interests were broad and deeply rooted in family and faith. He had a love for the outdoors, frequently hiking with his wife of 45 years, Lisa, and exploring national parks with their children and grandchildren. He was a longtime member of the Community of the Savior church in Rochester, where he attended weekly Bible study for over 25 years, building strong bonds with fellow parishioners.
Schaertel also held a lifelong appreciation for the arts, enjoying music and playing guitar, while also finding joy in golfing. His beloved Corvette, the car he was driving during the crash, was described in his obituary as “his most prized gift,” given to him by his daughter and son-in-law.
Family members highlighted his devotion to those closest to him. “Family was everything to Dan,” his obituary stated. “He never failed to show up for those he loved.” He is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughters Holly Chatters, Kristin Nielsen, and Lauren Smith; eight grandchildren; his mother, Irene; and his brother, Timothy. He was predeceased by his father, Peter, and his brother, David.
Reflecting on the loss, his younger brother Tim spoke about the admiration he had for Daniel. “Ever since I was a child I looked up to him with great admiration and respect,” Tim said. “I know in my heart that Dan was a faithful Christian, and that is why I can have peace about his passing despite how tragic it was, and despite how much he will be missed by his family and friends.”
The investigation into the crash remains active as troopers work to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the fiery collision.
