Obituary of Donald N. Shafer

Wayland – Donald N. Shafer, 92 years of age, passed away Friday morning at St. James Hospital in Hornell. Don was born February 16, 1931 in Wayland the son of Verne and Mildred (Kuhn) Shafer. He grew up in Wayland, graduated from Wayland Central School in 1948 and remained a life resident of the Wayland and Perkinsville areas. Don and Norma Gross married on February 18, 1952 at St. Joseph’s Church in Wayland and have celebrated over 71 years together! After high school he entered the United States Army and honorably served his country from June 1, 1949 through August 8, 1952. Serving during the Korean War, Don earned 6 Bronze Service Stars. After his service he returned and began working at Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation, retiring in 1993 as a mechanical engineer. He put his engineering gift to personal use as well. He was an excellent self-taught carpenter; as evidenced by him building a house, garage and many other projects throughout the years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, puttering around outside, watching his son Michael’s baseball games when younger and was a New York Yankees fan as well. Don enjoyed membership in the Perkinsville Fire Department, Wayland American Legion, Dansville VFW, the Perkinsville Rod-N-Gun Club and the Foster Wheeler 25 year member and retirement clubs. Don was pre-deceased by his parents, Verne and Mildred Shafer; his son Michael Shafer; a grandson, Zachary Scialdone; his siblings, Laverne Shafer, Joyce Macaluso, Vivian Wheaton and Larry Shafer. Don is survived by his wife, Norma Shafer of Wayland; his daughters, Terry (Roger) Johnson of Dansville, Vicky (Harmon) Spencer of Wayland and Lynda Scialdone of Rochester; his grandchildren, Jaime (Nicholle) Johnson of FL, Ben Spencer (Bri Webster) of Wayland, Jon (Laura) Spencer of York City, PA, Alex (Alexandria) Scialdone of Webster and Matthew Shafer of CA; his great grandchildren, Madison Spencer and Augie Scialdone; his siblings, Ray (Maryjean) Shafer of Camden, Sharon (Stan) Randall of NC and Dawn Shaver of Wayland; his sister in law, Rosemarie Ober of Painted Post; along with many many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and extended family. Don’s family and friends may call Wednesday July 5, 2023 from 12-2pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, Wayland. Don’s funeral service will be immediately following calling hours at 2pm at the funeral home. Committal prayers, military honors and interment will take place following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Donald N. Shafer may be made to Wayland American Legion, 102 N. Main St., Wayland, NY 14572 or the Dansville VFW Post 6780, 145 Main St., Dansville, NY 14437 or the Perkinsville Fire Department, PO Box 152, Perkinsville, NY 14529.