Services celebrating the life of John Shafer will be held in New Castle, PA on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home 3000 Wilmington Rd. Visitation will begin at 11am with services at noon.
John was born August 7, 1934 in Pittsburgh and as a young boy moved to Slippery Rock where he began his schooling in a one-room schoolhouse. Upon moving to Grove City, John played for the high school basketball team. He graduated from Grove City High School, Slippery Rock University, and earned his master’s degree and administrative degrees at the University of Akron.
John began his career as a chemistry teacher at New Castle High School, working summers as a chemist for American Cyanamid. He later became an educational leader as principal at Meadville High School, Mohawk High School, North Hills High School, and Peters Township High School. His understanding of teaching and learning combined with a sense of humor allowed him to touch the lives of so many fellow educators and students.
John tremendously enjoyed reading, traveling, fishing, boating, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving and dedicated father. His middle name, Reichwine, translates as “powerful friend” and indeed that is what he was to so many.
A Pittsburgh boy at heart, he loved the city, its museums, restaurants, theaters, and warehouse district. He was known to be the most faithful Pittsburgh Steelers fan—even when he later moved to Pompano Beach, Florida.
John is survived by his son David (Jennifer) Shafer of Sarasota, Florida; his daughter, Anne Shafer of Mentor, Ohio; former spouse, Shirley Shafer of Boardman, OH; two sisters, Joan Chesin of Atlanta, Georgia and Margaret Marshall of Savannah, Georgia; as well as three step-daughters, 4 nieces, and 2 nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Dotterweich Shafer; his father, John Shafer, Sr.; and his wife, Jessie Stevenson Shafer.