Family requests leniency in crash that killed 90-year-old man in York County

As a member of the so-called Greatest Generation, Charles Schaszberger served in the U.S. Army toward the end of World War II and during the post-war occupation of Europe.

He grew up poor in York, dropping out of school after the seventh grade to help support his family. But even without a formal education, relatives said, he was an intelligent, articulate man who had great common sense and sensitivity.

Schaszberger spent most his life working at a paper mill — usually seven days per week — before retiring in the 1990s. He was a fan of the Baltimore Orioles, family members said, and a member of the Izaak Walton League who took his children and grandchildren to shoot. Loved ones described him as a kind and modest man.

Then, on Dec. 20, 2017, Andrew Brenneman ran a red light and crashed his 2016 Ford F-550 at 20 mph into Schaszberger’s 1998 Chevrolet Malibu at the intersection of Country Club and Grantley roads in Spring Garden Township.

Three days before his wife of 67 years, Virginia, was set to be laid to rest, Schaszberger died at York Hospital. He was 90. His daughter, Eugenia “Jenie” Hake, who'd been a passenger in the car, was hurt.

“Mr. Brenneman, you can never, ever fathom the care, comfort and support my father provided to us. That is lost to us forever,” wrote his son, Craig Schaszberger, in a victim impact statement. “However, vengeance will not bring our father, our grandfather back.”

He said it was not in his family’s heart to ask for incarceration. The York County District Attorney’s Office listened to their request.

Brenneman, 51, of Codorus Township, pleaded guilty on Monday to involuntary manslaughter and related offenses in exchange for a sentence of two years’ probation. He was fined $1,000 and ordered to complete a highway safety course.

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Senior Deputy Prosecutor Erin Bloxham emphasized that the district attorney’s office spoke with family members about the resolution.

“I’m satisfied to accept the terms of the plea agreement as well,” said Common Pleas Judge Harry M. Ness, who noted that he’s friends with Craig Schaszberger.

READ:Woman to serve 2 years' probation in crash that killed walker in Fairview Township

Brenneman did not make a statement in open court.

Jeff Marshall, Brenneman’s attorney, said his client provided a card that expressed his remorse directly to the Schaszberger family.

Later, Craig Schaszberger waited for Brenneman to leave the courtroom.

“Mr. Brenneman,” Craig Schaszberger said, “I just want you to know we all make mistakes.”

He then said his family forgives him.

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Contact Dylan Segelbaum at 717-771-2102.

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