William John Enoch Shafer of Fairfax, VA entered into eternal life on April 16, 2016 at the age of 87. Loving husband of Carol Eleanor Dahlstrom Shafer for 62 years, he was a devoted father to five daughters: Suzanne Marie Shafer; Cynthia Ann MacMaster (David); Kathleen Rachael Calder (Michael); Mary Shafer Armstrong (Jody); and Patricia Shafer Langevin. He was the proud grandfather of eleven grandchildren. He is survived by a brother, Robert L. Shafer of New York City.
Bill was born February 26, 1929 in Amery, WI to the late William C.E. and Gertrude Porter Shafer. He graduated from Amery High School, 1947, and the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, 1951. He received a master’s degree in Mathematics and Finance from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.
In his 22 year distinguished Naval career, Bill served on the East and West Coasts and aboard ship, taught at the US Naval Academy and worked at the Pentagon. After his retirement as a Commander in the US Navy, Bill joined the Institute for Defense Analyses, Arlington, VA for an equally outstanding 22 years.
The Shafer family has lived in Fairfax, VA for 47 years. Bill was extremely active in the Catholic Church. He generously assisted several parishes in the Arlington diocese, most recently St. Mark in Vienna.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, May 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road, Vienna, VA. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s name to: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, 200 N Glebe Road, Suite 811, Arlington, VA 22203.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements under the direction of Murphy Falls Church Funeral Home, Falls Church, Virginia.
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