Robert Franklin Schaffer, 85, of Big Run, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Penn Highlands DuBois.
He was born at home in Luthersburg on May 22, 1940, a son of the late Carl Melford Schaffer and Alda Fyetta (Marshall) Schaffer.
He was a graduate of DuBois Area High School. Following graduation, Mr. Schaffer served in the United States Air Force.
On June 15, 1963, he married the love of his life, Lois Jeanne Westover. They enjoyed sixty-two years of marriage and raised a loving family together. Lois and Bob were members of the Hotfooters Square Dance Club.
Bob worked as a mechanic for Thomas Brothers Coal Company, followed by P&N Coal Company and finally retiring from ACME Machine.
He is deeply loved as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Bob taught his children many things over the years, he was a great role model and example to all of them. He was a proud grandfather, he spent hours with his grandchildren doing simple things and riding them around on tractors when they were little.
Bob was a man who found peace and purpose in the outdoors, spending countless hours tending to his garden. His yard was always a reflection of his hardwork and love for nature. Never one to keep his talents to himself, he was quick to lend a helping hand to many neighbors in Big Run and always with a smile and a kind word. He mowed for others up until a few days prior to his death. Staying busy and helping others was just who he was. Bob was a past recipient of Big Run’s Man of the Year award.
In addition to his wife Lois, he is survived by three children, Ronald Schaffer of Pittsburgh, David (Lori) Schaffer of Big Run and Lisa Schaffer and husband David Larko of DuBois; two grandchildren, Joshua (Nicki) Schaffer of Roaring Springs and Megane Schaffer of Big Run; two great grandchildren, Aubrey and Emmalyn Schaffer; one sister, Judy (Tron) Woods of Sheffield; three brothers, Leon Schaffer of Luthersburg, Fred (Susan) Schaffer of Sabula and Norman Schaffer of DuBois.
Preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, Wilbur, Carl, John, Bernell, Victor and Howard Schaffer; five sisters, Lorena McMinn, Ruth Welder, Rosena Haag, Victoria Lewis and Shirley Hoeh.
Friends will be received from 5 – 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Big Run.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the funeral home officiated by Pastor Jim Filhart. Military honors will be accorded at the funeral home by the Jefferson County Honor Guard.
Interment will follow at McClure Cemetery, Big Run.
Comments