Joseph B. Shiffert

Joseph Berrie Shiffert, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully, January 26, 2012 in his home, surrounded by his family. Joe was born December 3, 1924 to Angeline and Joseph Berrie Shiffert, Sr. in Riverdale, New York. After graduating from Lindenhurst High School, he began his lifetime career of operating ships and ship repair in 1945, graduating from the State University of New York Maritime College, Fort Schuyler in marine engineering. He attained his Chief Engineer’s license at age 27, earning him a spot in U. S. Maritime history as the youngest Chief Engineer. He circled the globe many times both as a merchant seaman and a port engineer until 1967, when he managed a shipyard in Cape Town, South Africa. When he moved his family to Jacksonville in 1967, he started, owned and operated several maritime related businesses, culminating with his realized dream of starting his own shipyard, North Florida Shipyards, Inc., in 1977. He remained actively involved in the operation of his shipyards until his recent decline in health. He was a member of : Society of Marine Port Engineers New York, American Society of Naval Engineers, Connecticut Maritime Association, First Coast Manufacturers Association, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Fort Schuyler Maritime Alumni Association, Propeller Club of Jacksonville, Shipbuilders’ Council of America, Jacob’s Raiders, Southeast Shipyard Association, and Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized as the Propeller Club Maritime Person of the Year 1991-1992 and was the first person to receive the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award in 1997 from the Fort Schuyler Maritime Alumni Association. He was preceded in death by his father Joe, Sr., mother Angie, brother John, sister Frances and his first wife Ellen. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Nancy, son Barry (Myra), daughters Lee Neviaser (Michael), Jo-Ellen Baxley, Holly Self (Matt), 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Joe will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, his sustaining faith in God, his vive for life and his dedication to his work family. A visitation will be held at 6:oopm Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Avenue Chapel with a vigil and rosary service beginning at 7:00 Pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Monday, January 30, 2012 in Holy Family Catholic Church located at 9800 Baymeadows Road Jacksonville FL 32256 with Monsignor Mortimer Danaher as Celebrant.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Community Hospice of NorthEast Florida.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808. www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com