William Joseph Schlaffer

William was born on November 25, 1939, at St. Joseph Hospital and was the only child to Helen Regina Wisniewski and John Joseph Schlaffer. Will (Bill) worked for Peterson, Howell, and Heather, Inc. for 24 years and for 6 years during that time he commuted to Swinden, England every couple of weeks. William’s last position was at HomeCall in Frederick, MD until his retirement in July of 2005.

Bill was involved in getting his Patterson Park High School Graduating Class together and began having their reunions, luncheons with the committee members and an annual picnic at the home of a classmate. Bill enjoyed Golf and playing cards. His cards games were twice monthly, once with a group of people that were associated with work, the other with a group of retired Police Officers. This went on for over 30 years.

Bill married Meg Shabow in 1981 and they enjoyed road trips with the family out west to Meg’s family reunions, cruises with friends and classmates and trips to Ireland, England, Switzerland, and Austria leaving only one state that they had not been to, Alaska was left. It was during our last trip out west to the family reunion that Bill suffered a fall that resulted in his needing brain surgery six weeks later.

Bill had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and enjoyed a good joke. He loved day tripping, going away for weekends and we never went on a road trip that we didn’t go off the main roads to find out what was beyond and because of this we discovered great treasures all around these United States that we never would have seen otherwise. Bill loved crossing a mountain range but he did not always follow the main roads and thought that dirt roads off to the side showed more interest. Roads were made for 4 wheelers, we in our station wagon went up, over, and around and through the areas that I had to clear of small tree limbs and such as we proceeded, coming down the other side finally finding a main road again some 5 to 6 hours later. It was always there, another mountain to climb. Those road trips were really something. Everyone always loved hearing about our trips but said it was as if we went on different trips because our stories never matched.

Bill leaves behind his wife Meg and four children; Gary (Lorenne) Schlaffer, Susan (Dan) Stamboni, Kevin Shabow, Kasey Shabow; 8 granddaughters; Christine (Eric) Kopalchick, Quinn Shabow, Meredith Shabow, Brittany Boyd, Natalie Shabow, Julia Shabow, Hallie Schlaffer and Kayla Shabow and 1 grandson; Ryan Schlaffer, 4 great-grandchildren; Eric, Alaina, Laila Kopalchick, Ari Clifford and a nephew Christopher Pukalski.

There is no way to express the loss that we all feel in losing Bill but knowing him as we do, he is no doubt checking for side roads and taking a car not made for the terrain and perhaps finishing the jaunt he took with Meg in Maui into areas that were prohibited, except for 4x4’s. Such is life on the road with Bill. He is now beside those who have gone before him and no doubt filling them in on all the happenings. How lucky we were to be a part of this sweet wonderful man’s life and we know that the “Lord” has a special place for this loving and gentle man. Fortunate we were to have had the time that we did with this man. We love you Babe, Dad, and Grandpa.

A receiving of friends will be held on Friday, June19, 2020 from 5-8 PM, where a memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 12:00 PM. Due to gathering size limits there may be a wait to enter the building. Facemasks are required. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215. Online condolences may be left at www.schimunekfuneralhomes.com.