Obituary of Roy J. Shafer

Roy J. Shafer, age 85, of Youngstown, died Friday, May 31, 2013, at his home, under the loving care of his family and Niagara Hospice. Roy was born October 24, 1927 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Roy W. and Katherine (Stamler) Shafer. He was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and served in the Army Air Corps from 1946 to 1947. Roy attended Niagara University and in 1953 he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University. On May 25, 1956, he married Patricia A. (Swift) Shafer and they have resided in Youngstown for nearly 30 years. Roy was employed by Herbert F. Darling, Inc. for 37 years, retiring as Vice President of Construction and Safety. After retiring from Darling, Roy ran his own consultant business, RJS Consultants in Youngstown and was also a sales representative for Canadian Metal Rolling Mills, Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario. Roy cherished and proudly led his family as head of the household. He always made sure that everyone and everything was "taken good care of." He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren often assisting with various projects or attending sporting events. He engrained the values of education and hard work to his family. Roy also valued his friendships that he made throughout his life often telling the same jokes or stories during breakfast or lunch outings with the "boys". He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Messiah in Lewiston and Zion Lutheran Church. Roy was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Military Engineers, Deep Foundation Institute, Past Chairman of the Pile Driver Committee of the Construction Industry Employers Association of Western New York, and past Chairman of the Safety Committee of the Chapter. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Scott S. Shafer of Ransomville, Starrin R. Shafer of Greenville, SC, and Steven S. (Stephanie S.) Shafer of Windsor, England; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Jonathan) Payne, Jonathan, Abigail and Julia Shafer, Joshua and Tyler Koepsell; and two great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Suzanne T. Shafer-Koepsell and two sisters, Hazel Faulkner and Dolores Dick. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 27, at 11:00 am in the Lutheran Church of The Messiah, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston, with the Rev. Thomas Mason officiating. Memorials may be made in his honor to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094; or to Autistic Services, Inc., 4444 Bryant & Stratton Way, Williamsville, NY 14221. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston.