Dr. Robert Shafer

1928 - 2018

Dr. Robert Shafer passed away at his home in Painted Post on September 20th, 2018 at the age of 90. Robert was predeceased by his parents Harold and Caroline Shafer, siblings Gordon (Ronnie) Shafer and Virginia (Jack) Satterlee, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dr. Burton (Pauline) Beers, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Robert was born in Elmira and graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1946. He served in the United States Army from 1946-1948, participating in the occupation of Japan following World War II. He earned a marksmanship medal with the M-1 Garand service rifle and attained the rank of sergeant. Fully 60 years after his time in the Army, he could still recite his service number without hesitation, saying it is the one thing no solider forgets. On June 14th, 1952, Robert married Joan Beers of Chemung. He received a Doctor of Surgical Chiropody (now Podiatry) degree from the Ohio College of Chiropody in Cleveland in 1954 and subsequently lived most of his life in the Hamlet of Chemung. Dr. Shafer opened his podiatry practice in Sayre, PA in 1956 and provided care for thousands of patients until his retirement 35 years later. He was a 50-year member of the American Podiatric Medical Society. Bob and his wife Joan enjoyed their retirement years, making memorable trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Australia, and shared many happy times at their family cottages on Lamoka and Keuka Lakes.

Although many will remember Bob for his professional work, others will remember him for his contributions to his community. He was a member of the Waverly School Board in the 1970s, to which he was first elected on a write-in ballot. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge F&AM and a 35-year member and former president of the Waverly Rotary Club. He was also a life member of the Chemung Volunteer Fire Department, including service as a commissioner of the organization. Bob took his role as a volunteer firefighter seriously, and in a family of firemen, was typically the first one out of the house on tough middle of the night fire calls. He had a special interest in antique cars, and took pride in showing his 1926 Model T and his 1929 Lincoln Doctor's Coupe with the Twin Tiers Antique Car Club. "Doc" was known for his love of hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, and gardening. His family will remember him for his love, generosity, and devotion, as well as the life skills, work ethic, and family values that he instilled in us.

Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joan Beers Shafer, with whom he recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. He is also survived by children Stephen (Anna) Shafer of Albany, David (Trish) Shafer of Corning, Cynthia (James) Dellavilla of Rochester, grandchildren Carrie (Ken) Bauer, Jenna (Dave) Sackett, Lauren Shafer, Adam (Brenna O'Brien) Shafer, Meagan (Jake Ristevski) Dellavilla, Nathaniel Shafer, great grandchildren Amelia and Mallory Bauer, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Keith and Marlene Beers, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob's family wishes to recognize and thank Dayakar Reddy, MD, Barbara Walton, RN, and the provider team at CareFirst for the exceptional care that he received.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation and a celebration of his life on Saturday, September 29th, from 12 PM to 2 PM at the Blauvelt Funeral Home, 625 Broad St., Waverly, NY 14892. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 2:00 PM at Blauvelt Funeral Home, 625 Broad St. Waverly, NY. Burial to follow in the Chemung Cemetery at the family's convenience.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chemung Fire Dept., c/o Bob Shafer Firefighter Training Fund, 679 Main St., Chemung, NY 14825 or to Twin Tiers Honor Flight, PO Box147, Slaterville Springs, NY, 14881. Those wishing to send a message of sympathy to Bob's family may visit our Facebook page or by sending a private message of sympathy in "Obituaries" at www.blauveltfuneralhome.com