John E. Shaffer, Jr., age 79, of Tipton, Pennsylvania died on Monday, December 26, 2011 a resident at Valley View Home in Altoona.
John was born on Saturday, July 9, 1932 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late John E. and Iva (Walter) Shaffer, Sr. John earned a bachelor's degree from the Bloomsburg State Teachers College in 1956, a master's degree from Bucknell University in 1958, and completed credits toward a doctorate in education at the Pennsylvania State University.
He began his professional career in 1956, as a special education teacher and became one of the pioneers in that field. In 1958, as director of special education for the Lewisburg School District, John created an innovated program that provided cooperative work experiences at a local hospital for high school students with disabilities. In the years that followed, his appointments included; Director of Elementary Education, Guidance Counselor and Middle School Principal, all in Towanda, PA. During this time, He created a unique and enjoyable learning experience that featured a camping trip for the sixth grade. This camping trip has been adopted by other schools and exists to this day at Bellwood-Antis School District.
John moved his family to several locations, all in Pennsylvania. At age forty, in 1972, he attained his dream of becoming a chief school administrator. By the time of his retirement in 1988, he had served as Superintendent of Schools in three PA districts: Tunkhannock, Williamsburg and Bellwood-Antis.
After retiring, he sought to continue his efforts to improve his education and became a school board member. For the next twenty years, John was a member on three school boards at one time, and remained with Bellwood-Antis in that capacity for the duration of that time.
John served as a corporal in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was a lifelong member of Community of Christ Church in Bloomsburg, serving as an elder. John enjoyed his life, adored his wife and loved his family. He cherished relationships with both acquaintances and friends. His family is proud of him for his lifelong dedication and unselfish gift of his time and talents for the betterment of children. As a boy, he was involved in scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and took part in projects that benefited his community.
Surviving is his beloved wife of over 56 years, Eleanor D. (Broadt) Shaffer of Tipton, whom he married on November 24, 1955 at Community of Christ Church, Bloomsburg. Also surviving are two sons: Kelly L. Shaffer, of Tipton; and Greg E. Shaffer and wife, Annie, of Rochester, NY; and two grandchildren: Ryan and Nathan Shaffer, of Rochester, NY.
A time of Visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, December 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral Services will begin on Saturday, December 31 at 11 a.m. from the Community of Christ Church, 750 Market St., Bloomsburg with his cousin, Elder Henry Shaffer, officiating. Graveside services will be held in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. Memorial contributions are suggested in John's memory to the Bellwood-Antis School District Environmental Trip Blue Diamond, 400 Martin St., Bellwood, PA 16617.