Roy E. Shafer, Jr.

LEXINGTON – Roy Edward Shafer, Jr., 60, formerly of Oakdale, CT, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 12, 2019 in Lexington, SC where he resided for the past three years with his loving wife, Donna. Roy was born December 5, 1958 in Patuxent River, MD. He was the son of the late Roy Edward Shafer, Sr. and Laura Helen (Lipka) Shafer.

Roy’s family moved to CT in 1962 where he lived for most of his life. He graduated from Montville High School in 1977. Prior to his retirement in CT, he was employed by the Town of Montville Local 3386 for 18 years as a Fire Inspector and was also the Deputy Fire Marshal in Salem, CT. He was a volunteer for the Oakdale and Gardner Lake Fire Departments for many years. He also oversaw the Cadet Program at Gardner Lake. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a Pro Desk Specialist at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Columbia, SC and before that, Home Depot in Lexington, SC.

Roy’s dedication and passion for helping others showed through his many selfless contributions to various public and fire service organizations. His service to the community included: Safety and Fire Prevention Education Officer, Deputy Director of Emergency Management for the Town of Montville, Chairman of the Tri-Town Emergency Planning Committee and was instrumental in implementing what is now known as Montville Safety Day. His love for the community will live on in the lives of the many people he touched through his service.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Donna (Chase) Shafer and their six children, Donna Marie (Shafer) Swinburne, Jennifer Lynn (Shafer) McClenny, David A. Musto, Albert J. Musto Jr., Kevin J. Musto, and Melissa A. (Musto) Kerr. Roy is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Roy loved his fur babies, Fenway and Remy, who were always by his side.

Calling hours and a tribute to Roy will be on Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel.

Additionally, there will be a Celebration of Life at Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company in Salem, CT on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 12:00 pm. All are welcome.

A memorial scholarship fund will be set up at a later date so Roy’s love for the fire service can live on through a deserving cadet of a local CT fire department.