His parents, Dorothy M. (Rachon) and Laurence R. Shaffer, Jr., welcomed their son into the world on March 18, 1971 in Herkimer, New York. The family moved to Oneonta, NY in 1973 where Erik resided for several years before moving to Keene in 1986. He was a 1989 graduate of Keene High School. While in high school, Erik was a member of the cross-country track team. He also enjoyed a "pick-up" game of basketball, a sport that he excelled in.
Erik served in the United States Army stationed at Spangdahlem Air Force Base outside of Trier, Germany, from September of 1989 until his honorable discharge in November of 1991.
Following his service obligations, Erik attended Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, and later, his Master Degree in Business Administration from Franklin Pierce.
At the time of Erik’s passing, he worked as a regional claims adjustor for 25 years with Peerless Insurance Company and its successor, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, in Keene.
Family was paramount to Erik. He cherished the special memories created with his wife, Julie and daughter, Marin. He was deeply committed to his family and they, in turn, loved him beyond measure. Erik’s joy of life was shared with virtually everyone. Kindness, empathy and humor were his calling cards. He made everyone’s life better through a joyous humor and a wry, relaxed style. His smile radiated through to the souls of those fortunate enough to receive it.
Erik will be greatly missed by many, especially his wife of 23 years, Julie A. (Perham) Shaffer of Keene; his daughter, Marin Skylar Shaffer of Keene; his mother, Dorothy Rachon of Norway, NY; his father, Laurence Shaffer of Grand Marais, MI; his loving step-mother, Sally Shaffer of Hadley, MA; his cherished father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Regina Perham of Keene; his sister-in-law, Michelle Schneiderman and her husband, Jason, and nieces, Hannah and Mckenna, all of Manchester, NH; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the United States.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, evening, September 26th from 5:30-7:30PM at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00am in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene, NH. Burial with military honors will be held privately by the family.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Shaffer’s memory to the Fidelity Managed NH 529 Plan established for Marin Shaffer’s college fund. Please send your check made payable to "Fidelity Brokerage Services", and send c/o Paul Perham, 10 Marshall Street, Keene, NH 03431.
