Paul Shafer Jr.

WATERFORD -- Paul J. Shafer, Jr. navigated the land and waters of the Earth for 83 years as a Vietnam veteran and Navy sailor. He overcame this hardship throughout his life as a traveler - seeking many great adventurers of culture, knowledge, and people.

He met the horizon of the waters and heavens on November 16, 2024. Like many sailors, he weathered mighty storms and high seas. He beckoned each sunrise and sunset with great anticipation and discovery as he journeyed many harbors and ports throughout his life.

Paul was the son of Lillian Pershing Kimmel and Paul J. Shafer, Sr. He was the first boy of six children, raised on a farm tending to hundreds of acres across numerous fields, caring for livestock, and aiding to matters of his family. Paul had a passion for learning, for researching history, and especially for adventure. He has traveled to every continent and sailed all seas throughout his lifetime. Recently, he met a goal he aspired to (and completed) last Christmas as he sailed the frigid seas around Antarctica.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: sister Julienne (Shafer) Burkhart and brother-in-law, John Burkhart; sister Rebecca (Shafer) Plaugher and brother-in-law, Kevin Plaugher. He was also preceded in death by his son, Terry R. (Wolinski) Shafer, brother-in-law Orvel McClelland and sister-in-law Rebecca McClelland, and extended family member, Kevin J. McGowan, father of his grandchildren.

Paul was married to Samantha S. McClelland-Shafer. Together they had one son, Terry R. (Wolinski) Shafer; one daughter, Shannon (Robert) McGowan-Gomez; four grandchildren: Jennifer McGowan (Roman) Mountjoy, Staci McGowan (Jeffrey) Fletes, Alaina McGowan (Brendan) Conley, and Gabriel J.P. McGowan (Madeline Kitts); two step-granddaughters Alyssa Gomez (Adam Werneck) and Makayla Gomez (Rodel) Soika; and six great grandchildren: Darius, Kailyn, and Corrina Acevedo (McGowan), Jason Fletes (McGowan), Malaya (Gomez) Soika and, Cooper (McGowan) Conley. He is also survived by his brother: Phillip and Cathy Shafer : Chad & Marc nephews, and brother Butch and Lucinda Shafer: Lee and Avril- nephew and niece, and Melissa Jennison and David Jennison, niece Elizabeth (Mark) Zimmerly; and nephews, John Burkhart, Jim Burkhart, Joe Burkhart, and Nathan (Blair) Plaugher.

In lieu of flowers or momentos, the family would like to encourage the understanding of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for combat veterans. They would also invite all to participate and/or donate to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) programs for surviving warriors. There is no greater blessing than the gifts of life or freedom. As dad would say, "Best. Day. Ever." You will be missed. Sail on, sailor!

Online condolences may be made at www.hadleyfh.com.