John W. "Jack" Shafer

Glenville- John William Shafer, known fondly to friends and family as Jack, passed away peacefully on February 11th, 2026, in Scotia, NY, at the age of 82.

Born on September 6th, 1943, in Flourtown, PA, he was the son of the late Frank and Ethel (nee: VanNostrand) Shafer.

Jack loved his family and led them well. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke his words were filled with wisdom and guidance. He was extremely witty and had a funny, sarcastic sense of humor that would have everyone in the room chuckling. From a young age he loved tinkering and fixing electronics and used those skills in his livelihood and serving others in his adult life.

After being raised in White Sulphur Springs, NY, and graduating from Liberty Central High School in 1962, Jack proudly served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966, offering his dedication and bravery during a pivotal time in our nation's history. Upon completing his military service, Jack entered the workforce at Control Data in Niskayuna. During that time, he was the owner and operator of Rexford Radio & TV repair shop in Clifton Park. He also worked at WMHT as program operator. Later on in his career he worked for WHAZ, WGNA and IHeart Radio (Clear Channel) as a broadcast engineer.

Jack married his high school sweetheart, Anna Carolyn Russo on December 26, 1964, and enjoyed a wonderful life with their 4 children until her death in 2007.

Jack had many hobbies and talents. His musical abilities saw him skillfully playing bass guitar and drums in several bands as far back as high school. His faith shone through as he played in the Praise Team and managed the AV booth at Faith Baptist Church, where he was an active member for over five decades.

Jack's love for technology was shown as he enjoyed building radio-controlled airplanes and model trains with his son, perfecting photography with his daughter, and constructing electronic Heath Kits. A testimony to his role as a caring and supportive patriarch, Jack was a consistent presence at his children's and grandchildren's sports events, always cheering them on from the sidelines.

For many years, Jack was a member of the John Birch Society and held an Advanced Class License in amateur radio. He was a man of faith and love, and those qualities radiated from him in all his pursuits.

In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Anna Shafer, who passed in 2007; his sister, Lorna Mullen Johnson and his Aunt Janet and Uncle Basil Wild.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Shafer, to whom he married in November of 2013; his children, Leanne McCarty (Joe), Carol Zebrowski (John), Michael Shafer (Debbie) and Mary Shafer; Papa to his adored grandchildren, Matthew McCarty (Colleen), Christopher McCarty (Megan), Lindsay McHugh (Javier), Daniel McCarty (Natalie), David Suski, John Shafer, Madeline Shafer (Colton), Katherine Shafer, Benjamin Shafer, Michael Shafer and Gabriel Shafer; bonus grandchildren, Brittany Dugo (Dan), Tiffany Boster (Adam) and Zachary Zebrowski; great-grandchildren, Micah and Gideon McCarty and Lainey and Cooper McHugh. Jack is also survived by his niece and nephews: Brian Mullen (Madeleine), Tom Mullen and Tammy Orischak (John) and great- niece, Emily Montagna (Peter).

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10 am to 11:45 am at Faith Baptist Church, 11 Glenridge Road, Rexford, followed by a celebration of life service at 12 pm.

Burial with military honors will be bestowed privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack's memory can be made to Mekeel Christian Academy, 36-38 Sacandaga Road, Scotia, NY 12302 or the Parkinson's Center YMCA, 98 Wolf Road, Suite 110, Albany, NY 12205