Richard Scott Shaffer Sr.

Richard Scott Shaffer, Sr., 85, of Suffolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 27,

2026. He was born on September 8, 1940, in Cumberland, Maryland, to the late Anne Moore

Shaffer Newnam and Robert H. Shaffer, who was killed in World War II on March 6, 1945. He

was the stepson of William H. Newnam.

Richard was a 1958 graduate of LaSalle High School, where he played football. He worked

nearly 20 years for Safeway before continuing in military grocery sales, enjoying both the people

he worked with and the opportunities his career provided.

He was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins and spent many Sundays cheering on his

favorite team. He also loved gardening and took pride in watching his hard work grow. A man of

strong faith, Richard was active in the churches he attended in Virginia Beach and Newport

News.

One of his greatest joys was his 1950 Dodge convertible, and he loved taking family and friends

for rides.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Long of Suffolk, VA; his sisters, JoAnn Dressman (Larry)

of Cumberland, MD, and Mary Catherine Ritter of Denver, CO, his children, Rick Shaffer

(Becky) of Beacon, NY, Terri Carter (Bobby) of Melbourne, FL, Shawn Shaffer of Norfolk, VA

and Rodney Shaffer of Elizabeth City, NC; his grandchildren, Ryan Shaffer, Tim Geis, David

Riley (Desiree), Jeremy Riley (Jill), Robert Carter (Christa), and Brett Shaffer; his great-

grandchildren, Reese and Kendall, Jacoby and Dawson; and his great-great-granddaughter, Freya

Richard will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, and the simple joys of life-football

Sundays, time in the garden, and sharing rides in his beloved convertible.