Bernard John Shaffer

Bernard J Shaffer, Jr. (Bernie), 73, of Muhlenberg Township, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday evening, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Pottsville, PA on January 1, 1941, son of the late Bernard and Elizabeth Shaffer of St. Clair, PA. He graduated from Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville, PA and proudly served as an Interior Communications Specialist in the United States Navy aboard the USS DuPont. Following the Navy, he was employed as an engineer at IBM Corporation, retiring after more than 30 years of service. Following his time at IBM, he also was employed at Ernst & Young, Reinsel & Company, and Stevens & Lee. Bernie was an amateur radio operator for over 50 years and also enjoyed fishing. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 0144 (Middleport, PA) and the Tin Can Sailors. Bernie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed by family and friends who loved him dearly.

He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart of 51 years, Joan (Verbilla) Shaffer, his two children, Gloria (Shaffer) Ingram and husband Charles (Rusty) of Matthews, NC, and Michael Shaffer and his wife, Ann, of Jamison, PA; sister Margaret (Shaffer) Yarashus of St. Clair, PA and brother, Ronald Shaffer of Cummings, GA. He was the proud grandfather of Scott Dunnett, Jr. and Abby Shaffer, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was a devoted member of Holy Guardian Angels RC Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605, and a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated there at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15th. Relatives and friends may call from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb 15th at Kuhn-Stitzel Funeral Home, 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, PA 19605. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Philadelphia, PA at 5:15 p.m.

For online condolences, visit www.kuhnstitzelfuneralhomes.com