Charles Shaffer

Charles R. 'Chuck' Shaffer Jr., age 61, of Darlington, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at his residence. Born November 21, 1959, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Frances (Sarson) and Charles R. Shaffer Sr. Chuck grew up with his stepfather, the late George Baker. He attended Darlington Elementary and graduated from Blackhawk High School in 1977. He joined the U.S. Army in 1977, serving until 1981. While in the Army, he trained as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver with the engineer companies at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, and Hanau, Germany. He was honorably discharged from the Army as an E-5. Charles used his training from the Army and worked for several trucking companies upon returning to the United States; Baltimore Car Carrier out of Baltimore, MD; LeBeouf Transit Company out of Waterford, PA; Glenn Wagner Oil Company, Darlington, PA; McClymonds Supply & Transit, Portersville, PA; E.J. Bognars, East Palestine, OH; and then founded his own business; Chuck Shaffer Trucking Company (2001). He retired in 2010 due to health reasons. Chuck remained active, loving to travel on his motorcycle, boating, camping, and working in the garage doing restorations on his equipment and vehicles. Singing was his passion, where he used his gifts starting in the Blackhawk High School Choir. He served and loved his church home; Sylvania Hills Baptist Church. There, he served as song director, special music, and a Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Barbershop Society of America, and sang with the King Beaver Chorus and his own quartet "Click". He played Santa Claus for Event Photography for the Shenango Valley Mall, the Pittsburgh Mills Mall, the Uniontown Mall, and for private events.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years; Kim (Stover) Shaffer of Darlington, formerly of Pleasantville, PA. Charles met his wife, a co-soldier, in 1981, in Germany. He proposed to her in Paris, France, in the elevator of the Eiffel Tower. He is also survived by four children; Rebecca L. (Josh) Florence, Zachary C. (Hannah) Shaffer, Melissa S. (Martin) Masterino, and Amy D. Shaffer (Mark Walker). Also surviving are 10 grandchildren; Abigail, Ruth, Titus, and Josiah Florence; Lily, Madelyn and Emma Shaffer; Emma, Lili and Charlie Walker. Chuck is also survived by two sisters in law; Connie and Debbie Baker, five nephews; Matthew and Shawn Baker, Brian Mennell, Billy McCombs and Christopher Baker. Three nieces; Holly McCombs, Jennifer and Marla Baker, and a brother, Mark Baker.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three grandchildren; a sister; Ruth Ann Wilson; and a brother; John Baker.

Of all of his life and adventures with his wife and family, most important, he was a Christian, a believer in God. A God we praised, and who has sustained us through thick and thin. Charlie is with the Lord, and there is nothing more comforting to the heart. He hopes to see you there. Love, from his family.

Arrangements by the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum) www.saul-gabauer.com