Obituary of David E. Shaffer

David Eugene Shaffer of Eden/Hamburg, New York

July 12, 1937

Nov 2, 2025

David was born in the home of his parents in LaPorte, PA. He was raised mainly by his mother and grandmother and later joined by his stepfather in the towns within Sullivan and Lycoming County. Many of his family connections are from the areas including LaPorte, Muncy Valley, Hughesville, Highspire, and Williamsport, PA. At the early age of 14 he began working as a digger of graves. After High School where he played basketball, he made his home in Buffalo, New York where he met and married Helen “Tookie” McLeod. They lived in and worked in various states including Pa, Fla., and Virginia making their final homes in Buffalo and later Eden/Hamburg, New York. Early on David worked at Wickwire Steel. A lifelong member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 71, in 2022, David celebrated the receipt and presentation of his 60-year pin.

Alongside his wife, David was known by employees as “Boss” in their family owned and operated subcontracting business of 55 years, Susquehanna Sheet Metal Erection Service, Inc. David was still handling office tasks in his last few days of life. With a strong work ethic, he often chose work over and as his pleasure. David could often be seen splitting wood and mowing his extensive property even in his declining health.

For many years, David found great enjoyment as he coached t-ball, softball, and baseball and every summer looked forward to a good playoff season at the Eden Corn Festival, especially when his children and grandchildren were playing. He camped at Allegany State Park several times a year with his family where collecting wood for campfires was a special treat. All four of his children learned from him the ways of swinging an axe at an early age. David enjoyed going “down home”, sharing family history and experiences with his family and pointing out the places of his youth. Each spring David enjoyed a guys trip with his sons, son-in-law, and grandsons as they reached the age of interest in the Carlisle Car Show.

A quiet and reserved observer, David took great pride in and enjoyed his family. Evenings were spent reading the sports page and following the NY Yankees. David had an interest in jigsaw puzzles, and the highlight of his days during these past months was playing Kings in the Corner with his daughter, Wendy.

David was predeceased in life by his mother Myrtle A (Hess) McEwen and stepfather Carl “Jack” McEwen and his father Howard E. Shaffer. Also predeceasing are siblings Betty (Carl) Lauricella, and Dale F. (Joanne) Shaffer.

Surviving are David’s wife of nearly 70 years Helen “Tookie” (McLeod), daughters Susan (Timothy) Sessanna, Wendy (Tim) McCool, and sons David (Audrey) Shaffer, and Eric (Tammy) Shaffer. David, known as “Bompy” leaves a legacy of 13 cherished Grandchildren-

Timothy, William (Elise), Riley (Anna) Sessanna,

Victoria Kough, Colum Mecca,

Dee (Madeleine), Sophia, Ella, Benjamin Shaffer, Tristen Webb

Eric Luke, Whyatt, Tookie Shaffer

And (8) precious Great Grandchildren--

Adelynn and Aubrey Boldt, William, Archer, Everly, and Georgia Sessanna

Avery Winter and Mia Sessanna

Also surviving are his dear brother and sister-in-law John D. and Ann Christine “Chris” McLeod. David is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

David left this Earth by the Grace of God in the company of his loving wife and children. His departure has created an ache and a hole in our hearts. Husband, Father, Bompy, Friend, Employer—he will be forever sorely missed.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 2-5PM followed by a memorial service at the Laing Funeral Home Inc., 2724 W. Church St. Eden, NY 14057

Interment to be at Eden Evergreen Cemetery at the discretion of the family.

David held a great appreciation for dogs and wildlife. He could often be found feeding and watching the many birds, squirrel varieties, and deer from his sunporch.  David was a supporter of the SPCA of ERIE COUNTY where donations in David’s name would be lovely in lieu of flowers.