Kenneth Carl “Papa Kenny” Shaffer Obituary (1945 - 2023)

Kenneth Carl Shaffer, age 77, of Erie, peacefully went home to meet his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in Erie on December 12, 1945, son of the late Kenneth and Carolyn (Swanson) Shaffer. Ken was a 1963 graduate of Harborcreek High School and earned an associate degree from Penn State Behrend. He was a US Army veteran during the Vietnam War era. Ken was employed by GE for 38 years and was a member of the U.E. Local #506. He was a lifelong member of the Lawrence Park United Methodist Church, where he was active in the Men's Group and a past member of the Board of Trustees. Ken was an avid golfer and had a hole in one at Mound Grove Golf Course. He and his wife, Linda enjoyed traveling together and attended numerous PGA Tour events. He enjoyed riding his bicycle, ran 3 marathons, and was a past member of the Erie Runners Club. He served as a volunteer with St. Patrick's Food Pantry for 20 years. He also served on the Board of Trustees and was an active volunteer with Children's Charity, Inc. Most of all, "Papa Kenny" loved playing with his grandchildren, who were the joys of his life. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda M. (Schwab) Shaffer; three children: Scott M. Shaffer (Michelle), Jennifer A. Spitznogle, and Brian A. Shaffer (Stephanie); three grandchildren: Brandon Spitznogle, and Savannah and Brantley Shaffer; one brother, John C. Shaffer (Sandra); and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Carol A. Stiles, and her husband, Robert. Family and friends are warmly invited to call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek) on Sunday, October 15th from 4 PM until the time of a prayer service there at 7 PM, to be conducted by Reverend Karen Trask. Military Honors will be rendered following the service. Ken will be privately laid to rest at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Food Pantry or Children's Charity, Inc.