Jerry D Shaffer

Jerry D. Shaffer, 67, passed over from this life to the place prepared for him in his eternal home, on Friday, June 17 at his home in Kearneysville. Surrounded by soft music, the warmth of candlelight, and the love and support of his wife, children, and friends, he bid farewell to the long, rigorous regiment of cancer treatment that began in August 2010.

Born August 6, 1943 in Johnstown, PA to Paul D. and Thelma Mae Shaffer, he graduated from Richland Township High School in 1961. PFC Shaffer served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1966. Jerry received an Associate of Engineering degree from Penn State University in 1973. He later attended Elmira College in New York and graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He was married to Linda Hetrick, and son Brandon Paul Shaffer was born in 1982. He remarried in June 1998, to Connie (White) James, and became stepfather to Kendra and Joses James.

He worked at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, PA, and eventually settled into a career in maintenance engineering at Corning Glass Works in Corning, New York. He later relocated to Corning of Martinsburg, WV and retired in June 1998. He later worked for ALCOA East Alcoa in Frederick, MD, retiring in 2007. Recently, nearing the end of his treatment, and in a¬ much-weakened state, Jerry studied for and passed the test to receive his Amateur Radio License.

Jerry was a member of Greensburg United Methodist Church, serving as chair of trustees for many years. He sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served on the Administrative Council and Building Committee. Jerry served as Scoutmaster for Troop 25 of Trinity United Methodist Church, Martinsburg, and was active on the Berkeley County Planning Commission. In recent years, Jerry’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and awareness of healthful living practices made him a frequent and staunch supporter of the Shepherdstown Farmers Market, where he had many friends.

Jerry will be especially remembered for his love of music, and of sound reproduction, design and performance. He custom-built a sound system unlike any of its kind. He developed Shaffer Intertronics, LLC in 2005, and served as its CEO. Though his system was not brought to market, he was successful in bringing his original design to completion for the enjoyment of friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Connie S. Shaffer; sons Brandon Paul Shaffer and wife Tracy, of Hedgesville, and Joses Keyton James, at home; daughter Kendra Joy Clipp, of Martinsburg; sister Patricia A. Watts and husband Peter, of Culloden, Virginia; stepmother, Audrey Shaffer of Wexford, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Keely, Keaton, and Kennedy Clipp; nieces Michelle Williams and husband Greg, and Stacy Ritchie and husband Robert; as well as cousins and extended family members. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Paul D. Shaffer and Thelma Mae Turek Shaffer Figard.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rosedale Funeral Home, 917 Cemetery Road, Martinsburg, WV. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, June 23, at 10 a.m. at Rosedale Chapel at the funeral home. Interment will be at Rosedale cemetery following the service. Afterward, a meal will be served at Mt. Wesley United Methodist Church in Scrabble. Memorial contributions are welcome to benefit the Greensburg United Methodist Church (memo: choir music), c/o Donna Kilmer, 17 Marva Court, Martinsburg, WV 25404, or Good Shepherd Caregivers, P.O. Box 1882, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.

Thanks from all of the family for the exceptional, professional and compassionate care given by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Illinois, and to those members of Greensburg Church, and staff and volunteers of Good Shepherd Caregivers, who served as caregivers and provided transportation, financial support and so many acts of kindness. Your love and support enriched Jerry’s life every day.