Richard, or Dick, as he was known to all who knew him was a 1955 graduate of Boyertown High School and grew up in Gilbertsville. He met his future wife, Patricia Fitzgerald at Rolling Rock Skating Rink and they wed on January 14, 1961. Richard volunteered for military service with the Air Force in 1960 and proudly served as a jet engine mechanic for four years. After returning to the Philadelphia area, he graduated from the Quaker City Aeronautical School and worked as a commercial airline mechanic with TWA and US Airways for 33 years. Although he worked on planes his entire life, he absolutely hated flying, which did not really help put anyone's mind at ease when boarding a plane!
He loved woodworking, cross country and downhill skiing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. If he wasn't out on a lake catching a bass, he could be found meticulously tying ornate flies for his next cast. Dick was also an avid mystery reader and enjoyed sitting in his lounge chair with Rascal enjoying a good book and eating black licorice.
He was the son of the late Orestes and Luella Schaffer of Gilbertsville, PA and was the beloved husband of Patricia Schaffer for 1 month short of 60 years. He is survived by his two daughters, Susan Bodor of Portland, OR, and Kelly Schaffer of Phoenixville, PA, and his granddaughter, Candace Baldassarre of Toronto, Ont., Canada. He is also survived by his brother Robert Schaffer and his sisters Judy Whitesell and Linda Thiel and predeceased by his brother Larry Schaffer.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Richard's name to the Brandywine Valley SPCA 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA. 19380
