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.
