George H. Schaffer

1932 - 2024

George H. Schaffer

Jan. 26, 1932 - March 24, 2024

AURORA - George H. Schaffer, 92, of Aurora, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Auburn Community Hospital, Auburn, NY.

Born in Cobleskill, NY, George was the first of four children born to the late Howard and Helen (Whiteman) Schaffer on January 26, 1932.

George graduated from Cobleskill Central School in June of 1950. He continued his education at Albany State Teachers College beginning that fall. When many of his friends left to serve in the Korean War, George felt compelled to follow.

He enlisted in the United States Army in the fall of 1953 and served for three years. In 1956, he returned to Albany State following his military discharge to complete his studies in Secondary Science Education, ultimately obtaining both his BA and MA. He was always proud of his service to his country.

He married the former Ellen Dutcher of Delanson, NY on August 7, 1954. They would have been married 70 years in August 2024.

His teaching career as a high school science teacher began at the Chazy Central Rural School in northern New York State. Moving to central New York, he taught all the high school sciences at Sherwood Central School and then the new Southern Cayuga Central School District.

Ultimately, he served as the High School Principal at SCCS for about 20 years before retiring. George maintained his connection with students in his retirement working for Wells College Transportation Department.

George is survived by his wife, Ellen; and two daughters: Robin (Gene) Pezdek of Wynantskill, NY and Candice (Lee) Dorobiala of Chelmsford, MA; he was the grandfather of three grandsons: Stephan (Jackie) Pezdek, Jamison (Lindsay) Pezdek and Connor Dorobiala; he was the great-grandfather of: Poppy and Harlow Pezdek. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by all his siblings: Flora Jean Decker, Floyd Schaffer, and Martha Jane Truax. He also lost an infant grandson, Michael Daniel Pezdek.

George and Ellen have been residents of Aurora for over 63 years and have enjoyed summers at their cottage at Farley's Point on Cayuga Lake for more than 40 years.

George was a former member of the Scipio Lodge and the Aurora Rotary Club. He has been a member of the United Ministry of Aurora for the past sixty plus years.

George's family invites you to the Celebration of his Life which will be held at the Church of the United Ministry on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

George's family would like to thank the Auburn Dialysis Center for their professional and kind care of George for the past 2 1/2 years. In addition, we are appreciative of the kindness and care George received from the staff at the Center for Living in Auburn the past month.

In lieu of flowers in memory of George, we suggest donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 32852 or to the Southern Cayuga Scholarship Fund at Central NY Community Foundation, 431 East Fayette St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13202.

Condolences may be made at www.BrewFuneralHome.com.