David M. Shafferman died on April 21, 2020, at Gracedale Nursing Home, after an heroic journey with Type I Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and COVID-19. He was 67.
Dave was born in Grafton, WV, to James F. and Katharine G. Shafferman. His family moved to Owensboro, KY, in 1964, where at the age of 13 he met the love of his life, Jean Anne. They married in 1972 while still in college. Dave earned an architecture degree from the University of Kentucky, and in 1982, he and Jean Anne moved their family to Easton, PA. Dave and his business partner Fred Bonsall established Bonsall Shafferman Architects and Space Planners, a successful practice in Bethlehem, PA. Upon retirement, Dave was awarded emeritus status by the American Institute of Architects.
Dave loved sports and was second baseman on the Owensboro High School 1969 Kentucky state championship baseball team. For his 60th birthday, his son, daughter and son-in-law hosted a party in his honor in a suite at Coca Cola Park, where Dave threw the first pitch at the Iron Pigs minor league baseball game.
An avid journaler since 1979, Dave compiled annual chronicles of family and professional life in cloth-bound AIA journals. He included ongoing written commentary, school photos of his children, color sketches of family vacations, pen-and-ink drawings of cathedral concerts and scenic vistas while traveling with Jean Anne on Bach Choir tours abroad, cartoons and humorous newspaper clippings, the date and sketch of the first forsythia bloom and the first significant snowfall, and his annual theme-based Christmas newsletters, which he prepared throughout the year. One friend reported saving all of these letters and re-reading them every New Year’s Day while sipping a nice glass of wine. These journals are a treasure beyond measure for his family.
Active as Trustee president, Sunday School teacher, usher, and more, Dave was a longtime member of College Hill Presbyterian Church, whose congregation mourns his passing. A date and time for his Celebration of Life at the church will be announced in the future. Memorial contributions may be made to College Hill Presbyterian Church, 501 Brodhead St., Easton, PA, 18042, attn: the Shafferman Memorial Fund.
Dave is survived by his wife, daughter Emilie C. Boggis (Gordon) and son Evan D. Shafferman (Brittany), and grandchildren Lucy, Alice, Bennett, and Caleb; by his mother, his brothers Rick Shafferman (Martha) and Brian Shafferman (Nancy), and sister Laurel Durham (Pat); his sisters-in-law, Peggy Hayden (Hal), Marilee Van Arsdale (Lee), and Emilie Heesen (Peter); numerous first- and second-generation nieces and nephews; and many close friends, including his lifelong best friends, David Dukes and Charley Jolly.
Charley described Dave as a man of “humor and decency, along with good looks, intelligence, affability, athleticism, a winning smile, and ease with people.” One of his caregivers described him as “the kindest person I’ve ever met.” The great pianist Arthur Rubinstein once said, “If you love life, life will love you back.” Dave was extremely well-loved.
Dave’s family wishes to express its deepest appreciation to Dave’s longtime physicians, Dr. Robert Doll and Dr. Erika Lahav, and to St. Luke’s Hospice. They especially thank Cathy Abreu of Navita Health Advocates and the entire staff of Tower 3 at Gracedale Nursing Home, who have been a loving second family for 19 months to Dave and his family and have provided him with the very best skilled care.
The Ashton Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements. Offer an online written condolence at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com or record “A Virtual Hug” at 641-715-3900, extension 809346.
John and Sarah Everitt
April 22, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Jean Ann, Rick, Brian, Kate and families: we are so very sorry for your loss, especially at this difficult time in history! We know how very close your family is. Our heartfelt prayers are offered for all of you!
Joyce and Pete Rosswaag
April 22, 2020 at 6:01 pm
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss, Jean Anne. Please know that you are in our prayers at this very difficult time.
Cathy Abreu
April 22, 2020 at 6:04 pm
My deepest condolences to Jean Anne and family. I’m truly humbled to have been a part of Dave’s care team and to have worked so closely with Jean Anne. I met Dave near the end of his journey and grew to genuinely care for him. Snippets of a kind man who seemed to enjoy humor poked through his illness many times when we were together. May he Rest In Peace.
Les and Barb McCoy
April 23, 2020 at 8:17 am
Our sincere sympathy and condolences are given to Jean Anne, Emily and Evan as well as the entire Shafferman family. I knew David thru architectural work, but our families became best of friends and extended family many years ago when they became our neighbors. It’s been a wonderful journey and there wasn’t a kinder or gentler soul in David, who would be there whenever anyone needed his help or compassion. God brings special people into our lives occasionally and David was certainly one of them, he will be missed by the entire McCoy family; rest in peace David, it is well deserved.
Cathy and Tom Kiley
April 23, 2020 at 10:17 am
JeanAnne,
The Kiley family sends its sincere sympathy to your family at this very difficult time.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lindsey Fitzpatrick
April 23, 2020 at 10:44 am
To all of David’s family and friends, I want to express my deepest condolences upon hearing the news of David’s passing. There are not many memories of my childhood that don’t include time spent with my father and David at work. I can still picture the office at Gateway and how proud I was to be a part if it. David welcomed my curiosity and had the greatest smile. I believe he and my dad has a vision of Evan and I taking over the business- we blew that one! But watching my father and David’s working relationship certainly set a foundation of values I carry forward in both professional and personal aspects of my life. I send warm hugs and prayers to you all. With love, Lindsey
Fred and Randa Bonsall
April 23, 2020 at 11:04 am
JeanAnne
So sorry for your loss as we all are. David was a rare breath of life in everything he tackled; never a complaint. A great partner for over 30 years and a talented architect…”David, you will be missed like a brother I never had!”
Thomas A. Busch
April 23, 2020 at 11:41 am
Jean Anne and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I knew Dave when he was a partner with Fred Bonsall. Our firm designed the engineering work for their architectural projects. I often thought of him as the kindest person I had ever met. He always had a smile and some kind words when we were together. I shall certainly miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Rick & Carol Bachl
April 23, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Jean Anne,
Carol & I were so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. Years ago Fred Bonsall attended an AIA meeting and introduced his new Partner, Dave Shafferman, I remember clearly of Dave’s winsome personality. Dave was clearly unpretentious and just so much a “likeable fellow”. A wonderfully talented Architect and a tribute to our Profession. Carol remembers Dave well from the social events we attended. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family. Rick & Carol Bachl.
David Weinstein
April 23, 2020 at 12:39 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dave. I had the pleasure to work with Dave for almost 30 years. We worked together on many architectural projects, His soft and pleasant nature was always appreciated, not to speak of his great designs.
I was sad to see when he retired but I am truly heartbroken to hear of his passing.
My heart and sympathies got out to his family. His kindness will not be forgotten.
Tim and Tammy Wells
April 23, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Your smile and joy filled spirit will be missed Dave. You have left a hole in the heart of many but also a witness of God’s love for us all to follow. Jeanne, we love you and pray for you daily, we look forward to the day we can give you more than this virtual hug. Your a blessing to many!
Jeff McCoy
April 23, 2020 at 5:39 pm
Mr. Shaf was truly one of the kindest men I ever knew or will ever know. Period. Full stop. His gentle humility belied so many accomplishments, many of which I am sadly only learning now.
When I was 16 years old Mr. Shafferman picked me up from Forks Township Police Department when an acquaintance snuck some beer into the back seat of my car, unbeknownst to me (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). My parents were not home, so in the age before cell phones I reached out to an adult I knew I could count on. Over 25 years later, I still remember that drive home, without a word of judgment or disapproval, just concern and compassion.
Mr. Shaf will live on in my mind outside 135 Parker Ave on a sunny summer day washing his car or doing some yard work, with a kind and generous greeting, even for a teenage punk with somewhere better to be.
Our hearts go out to Mrs. Shaf, Emily and Evan, their children, and all his family and friends.
Gary Lader
April 24, 2020 at 8:38 am
I am so glad to have had the honor of working for David as an employee of Bonsall Shafferman. He was one of the kindest and wisest people. Combine that with a really great sense of humor! I looked up to him as a mentor and often hear his voice when I deal with clients. David, thank you for our time together. Wishing condolences to the Shafferman family.
Becky and Tom Rosenbauer
April 24, 2020 at 3:28 pm
We’re talking a lot about “heroes” these days. Dave Shafferman was a hero to many, in the love and care he gave to his family, his business, his church and I’m sure many others. He was a blessing to many and will be sorely missed.
Asa M. Hughes
April 26, 2020 at 11:08 am
My deepest condolences to Jean Anne and your family. David was a gentle soul that deserves to be called the salt of the earth. His enthusiasm,attitude,and talent was observed and admired by everyone that met him. I was privileged to have known him for several years and also shared an office with David and Fred. From a selfish standpoint his time among us was entirely too short . But he was so fortunate to have received your love and care over the last few years. Your strength and dedication is a blessing to all spouses that find themselves in this situation. My heart and prayers go with you for continued health and peace.
Sandra Templeton and Lucas Derr
April 26, 2020 at 1:34 pm
We are sending to you and your family our deepest sympathy for the loss of
your husband and father. Dave was filled with gentleness, kindness and
smiles for everyone. We were so grateful for you and Dave welcoming us to
CHPC with open arms.
Mahpareh Fakhraie
April 26, 2020 at 4:20 pm
Dear Jean Anne
I am so sorry for loss of your lovely husband. I alway saw the love in both of you the time he was at adult day care. You did an excellent care for him.
Deepest condolence
Mahpareh
Kim Gangaway
April 26, 2020 at 4:35 pm
Jean Anne, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I only knew David a very brief time near the end of his journey, he left a remarkable impression on me. The look of love in his eyes when his Jean Anne came into the room was immeasurable. I as everyone else at the Y will always remember him. Rest in Peace, David.
RC & Barbara Smith
April 30, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Please forgive the belatedness of these words of love and support. We were truly blessed to know David, and to work with him at CHPC for over 17 years. Such a kind and joy-filled person! We send our love and prayers of support to Jean Anne, Emilie, Evan, and all the rest of the family.
Christa kraftician
April 30, 2020 at 7:40 pm
My deepest condolences to the family! David will be truly missed in the architectural community!
Brian Hardner
April 30, 2020 at 9:42 pm
My prayers and sympathies for the family. David will certainly be missed but will be remembered in his works and his kindness. I met David many years ago and admired him as a person as well as his talent. May you find peace and serenity.
Douglas Moats and Martha Moats McConnell
October 26, 2021 at 9:11 am
We are childhood friends from David’s earliest years in Grafton, WV and just learned of his passing. He was a fun guy way back then and we knew he would have a tremendous impact on others during his life. Our sincere condolences to Kate, Jean Anne and his family.
June Williams
April 27, 2023 at 2:10 pm
Jean Anne: I just read this in 2023. So sorry about the death of your dear husband, David three years ago. There is a lady here in Georgetown, KY who tells me that she is one of your best friends from high school in Owensboro. I’ve forgotten her name. I was with Sarah Holroyd last October and talked to her again in February. Please let me hear from you. June Williams. 502/542/2889
Alamdar Arastu, Senior Architect at HUD, San Francisco, California
October 25, 2024 at 7:49 pm
David, was a beautiful man. When I arrived in the US in 1986, I settled in Bethlehem, PA and my first job was at the up and coming firm of Bonsall Schafferman. David, he was called in the office, the “Architect’s Architect.” He became my mentor, as I started to pick up the profession as practiced here in the US. After 3 years of experience I wrote the test and earned my Architect’s License. At the office work was a pleasure. We worked hard and through time crunches and had lots of fun. David, thank you for all your mentorship and help in those initial years. Rest in peace my friend. 🌹🌹🌹