William A. “Bill” Shafer, 59 of Wilson Borough, PA passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015. Born June 10, 1955 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Virginia (Schlegel) and John Shafer.
A graduate of Wilson High School, Northampton Community College and East Stroudsburg University, he was a science teacher at North Bergen High School in N. Bergen, NJ. He was a member and served in many capacities at the Easton Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also a Scout Leader and Commissioner with the Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council and served in the United States Air Force.
Bill was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers. He enjoyed listening to The Beach Boys and watching The Three Stooges, Laurel & Hardy and M.A.S.H. He played a key role in re-introducing the osprey and bald eagle to north-eastern PA. But his greatest love was being “Poppy” to his two granddaughters. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him so much.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years: Margaret “Peggy” (Andrews) Shafer; daughter: Mandy Shafer Gonzales and her husband Jesse; son: Taylor Shafer; and 2 granddaughters: Claudia and Maia all of Wilson Borough. His brother Larry G. Shafer died in March.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday (May 26) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rose Inn Ave., Nazareth, PA with visitation 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Interment will be in Easton Cemetery.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
John Breidinger
May 22, 2015 at 8:14 am
To the Shafer Family,
Please accept my condolences for your loss of Bill. He was my classmate, teammate, and friend from Wilson High. He was Sugar Bear, always pleasant and there for us. Although I haven’t seen him in recent years, there will always be a fond memory of our friendship.
John Breidinger, class of 1973
Paul Petty
May 22, 2015 at 8:57 am
To the Shafer family please accept my condolences for your loss. I will always remember the fun times with “Sugar Bear”.
Paul Petty, class of 1973
Judy Krase
May 22, 2015 at 10:14 am
Peggy, I am sure Bill was thankful for your devotion to him as caregiver; without home hemo he would not have been with you as long, and I know it was no small sacrifice for you to do it. I have appreciated being able to share our worries and experiences. We did all we could and God took care of the rest. And God will take care of us now, because with that assurance we find the strength we need to continue.
Tina Fehr Larson
May 22, 2015 at 3:33 pm
Peggy,
I am so sad to hear about Bill passing.
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Much love to you and your family.
Sherry Andersen
May 22, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Hi my darling Peggy,
You have always inspired me, from the moment I met you to right this very moment you are such a woman of honor and class. I did not have the privilege of meeting your Bill, but I am sure he was a man worthy of you, and as such, will be sorely missed by family and friends alike. Many years ago when I faced a tragic loss you never told me how to feel or think, you allowed me space to be who I was and feel what I felt. It was a gift I wish I could give you. I am so far away, but know that loss is hard, and painful. We believe it is a temporary thing, but temporary or not it can feel like too much to bare in moments. Know that it is ok to cry while having faith, and ok to be frustrated and sad, while knowing that you will meet again. Allow yourself and your family room to be and feel…Mourning knows know rules…I know your Bill is in the next room, surrounded by friends and family he has not seen in many years…and he too, is thinking about you and his sweet children and grandchildren….I bet there is some mourning on the other side too. Love you
Sara Gaston
May 22, 2015 at 8:02 pm
I am grateful that I got to visit with Bill almost every Sunday at Church in Wind Gap. He never failed to make me smile.
Sharon Niko
May 23, 2015 at 8:21 am
Peggy and Family,
I know that there is nothing I can say that will make the pain any less, but I want you to know that we are so sorry for Bill’s passing, we love you and are here for you for whatever you may need. You all are in my thoughts and prayers
May you feel the Lord’s love and peace now and always
Susan Callair
May 24, 2015 at 9:07 pm
Peggy, I am very sorry for your lose
Sending love and prayers
Susie