Ralph Shaffer Jr.

Ralph was born Aug. 11, 1929, at home, on the family farm on Fairbanks Road, the son of the late Ralph Shaffer Sr. and Mabel Arnold Shaffer. He was a 1947 graduate of Lander High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1952, on the front lines during the Korean War. He was a life- long union roofer and was a 75-year member of Roofers Local 210 in Erie.

Ralph was a member of the American Legion in Frewsburg, and the last surviving Charter Member of the Lander Volunteer Fire Department. Ralph built the home that he and Janice have lived in for 70 years. He enjoyed woodworking, building furniture, decorative sleds, and clocks. He also enjoyed hunting. He hunted moose in Canada, elk in Montana, and deer in Washington state. He and his wife traveled to all 50 states and made numerous trips to California and the west coast to visit friends and relatives. The family spent every weekend at the camp at Rhine Run and entertained there for over 50 years. Ralph was a trustee of the Foster Cemetery and served as President and Vice President for many years.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Janice M. Gage Shaffer, whom he married on June 18, 1955; three children, Shelly Rodgers of Russell, Boyd Shaffer and wife Mary of Frewsburg, and Marjorie Adams and husband Jack of Russell; siblings, Norman Shaffer of Harrisburg, Stanley Shaffer of Corbett, NY, Beryl Miller of Falconer, Nancy Healey of Sugar Grove, and Carol Davenport of Ashville, NY; six grandchildren, Aaron (Jessica) Rodgers, Jeff Rodgers, Chad (Paige) Shaffer, Scott (Kim) Shaffer, Jaclyn (Ryan) Peal, and Brad (Katherine) Adams; nine great grandchildren; two step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; and many nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by sisters, Gladys Chase, Virginia Coughlin, Frances Decker, Marion Merch, Ella Joyce Peterson, JoAnn Gallupo; and son-in-law, Denny Rodgers.

Friends will be received at Peterson-Blick Funeral Home Inc., 1003 Penna Ave., Warren, PA, on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm, and for one prior to a funeral service to be held at the Lander Community Church, 5582 PA-957, Russell, PA, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11 am, with Reverend Walt Venman and Reverend Dale McMillen, co-officiating. Militiary Honors and burial will follow in the Foster Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Lander Volunteer Fire Department, 5555 PA-957, Russell, PA, or to Lander Community Church, 5582 PA-957, Russell, PA.

Those wishing to send online condolences to www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.