Larry R Shaffer

Larry was born September 22, 1948, in Akron, Ohio. He was the son of the late Larry (Knute) and Dorothy (Spikerman) Shaffer. Larry graduated from Manchester High School and Akron University.

In addition to raising four children, Larry briefly taught second grade in Twinsburg, near Cleveland. He began his administrative career in Northeastern School District, Springfield, Ohio, where he remained until his retirement in 2003. Originally hired as an assistant principal for Rolling Hills, he also served as principle of South Vienna, Technology Director, Coordinator of Gifted Services, Assistant Superintendent, and completed his career as Superintendent. As an administrator, he was respected for his professionalism, organization, wisdom, student-centered approach, friendship, support, and humor.

After retirement he moved to Key West, worked on the naval base, was a member of the Parrot Head Club, competed in the annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, served as president of Key West’s Browns Backers Club, and always welcomed and entertained visitors until moving back to Ohio.

He was a member of Kiwanis, the Lion’s Club, and the Center for Senior Services. Hobbies included playing volleyball, racquetball, pickleball, and every type of card game imaginable. A lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers, he also loved Ohio State sports. He relished reading multiple books at the same time, planning ahead for his next vacation, and pursuing technology to feed his voracious curiosity. Always open to plans with friends and family, he will be missed by many!

Larry is survived by his “other half”, Deborah Hastings; his brother, Roger (Darlene) Shaffer and sister, Susan Peters, of Akron; two daughters, Christine (Kevin) Smith and Tracy (Jon) Meadows, both of Springfield, Ohio; son, Neal (Sara) Shaffer of West Mansfield, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Justin, Taylor, Jared, Jaidin, Addy, Marik, and Kai, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nita Shaffer and stepson, Travis Caudill.

Due to Covid-19, a Celebration of Life will hopefully be scheduled in the future.

A donation can be made toward the purchase of a commemorative bench and books for the new Northeastern Schools, at Heartland Federal Credit Union. Include “Larry Shaffer #503390” with your donation submission.