Alan P. Shafer

Alan P. Shafer
1950 - 2024
Alan Paul Shafer-loving husband, dad, and grandpa-departed peacefully, though much too soon, on December 4, 2024. He was 74 years old. Born in Sewickley and raised in Plum, Pennsylvania, Alan was the second of six children. After graduating from Harding High School, Alan attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English in 1972. Following his graduation, he served in the United States Army for two years, stationed at then-Fort Gordon, near Augusta, Georgia, before being honorably discharged.
After completing his service, Alan began his long career at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Pittsburgh, where he would later meet his future wife, Janet. They married in 1982 and started their family in Millburn, New Jersey, where they were blessed with two sons. The family later moved to Trumbull, Connecticut, and welcomed twins, a son and daughter. Alan was very involved in his community. Alongside his sons, he spent 20 years volunteering with the Boy Scouts as Den Leader, Cubmaster, and occasional Pinewood Derby commissioner. He was an active member of the Nichols United Methodist Church for 28 years, where he helped serve coffee hour, teach Sunday school, and lead stewardship. Alan enjoyed hiking, camping, birdwatching, astronomy, literature, cinema, and teaching his children to play tennis, golf, and basketball. In 2006, Alan was awarded an Master's degree in Computer Information Technology from Central Connecticut State University. Later in life, he enjoyed walking along Silver Sands Beach with his children (always keeping an eye out for piping plovers) and loved watching his grandbabies grow.
Alan is preceded in death by his parents Marion and Helen (née Urdock) Shafer, and his brothers Dennis and Fred. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet (née Simkins); their children Paul, Wade (Anna), Scott (Quiyarra), and Jennifer (Matthew); and his granddaughters Caroline and Anneliese. Alan is also survived by his siblings Carol (Marc) Stoecklein, Tim (Donna) Shafer, Wayne Shafer, and his sister-in-law Debbie (Fred) Shafer; and his many wonderful nieces and nephews and their children.
A memorial service in Alan's honor will be held on March 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Nichols United Methodist Church, located at 35 Shelton Road in Trumbull, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Alan's name to The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Connecticut (https://www.hospice.com/honor-memorial-gifts/) or to Nichols United Methodist Church in support of Appalachia Service Project (https://www.nicholsumc.org/online-giving).