Charles A. Shaffer, Sr.

Charles A. Shaffer, Sr, of Newville, passed away April 28, 2024 at his residence while surrounded by his loving family at the age of 99. Born in Rummel, PA, he was the son of the late Dewey Shaffer and the late Nellie (Chriswell) Shaffer. He was the loving husband of the late Mary P. (Heller) Shaffer with whom he enjoyed 74 years of marriage prior to her death in 2020.

Charles proudly served his country in the U.S. Army’s 357^th Infantry, 90^th division (“The Tough Hombres”) during WWII. His service ultimately called him to fight in the 1944 battle at Normandy, France. The government of France recognized Charles’ bravery in battle during combat at Normandy, ultimately leading to the French Embassy in Washington, DC awarding Charles the prestigious Chevalier Award, the equivalent of Knight in the French Legion of Honor. Charles also served as a machine gunner in the Rhineland region of Germany where he sustained wounds which earned him a Purple Heart. Charles has been featured in various local broadcast and print journalism pieces featuring his military experiences.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Charles worked as a machinist for more than 35 years at the former Frog Switch & Manufacturing Co. in Carlisle, until his retirement in 1980. Prior to that, Charles worked as a truck driver and was widely acknowledged by family and friends as an instrumental participant in farm operations at his family’s 300-acre farm in the New Florence, PA area beginning at age nine.

During retirement, Charles refurbished antique tractors, a hobby he pursued until very recently. He was formerly a member of the First Church of God, Newville and a member of Hamilton-Myers VFW post 6070 in Newville. Those who were members of his wide circle of loyal friends appreciated his kind, generous spirit, along with his keen sense of humor. He was also affectionately considered a ‘perfectionist.’ Charles also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.

Charles is survived by daughters Carla Evans (husband Ron), of Mt. Wolf, and Connie Bender (husband Dave) of Shippensburg. A son, Charles Shaffer, Jr. (wife Nancy), of Mechanicsburg, also survives him. Siblings Dewey Shaffer, Jr. (wife Fran), of Newville, Irvin Shaffer (wife Karen), of Carlisle, Mary Lou Bowman, of Scranton, and Phoebe Bear, of Carlisle also survive him, along with 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. In addition to his wife and parents, Charles was predeceased by 5 siblings.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 29 at Westminster Cemetery, 1159 Newville Rd., Carlisle with Rev. Richard Reese and Rev. Wayne Good officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd., 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charles’ memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (benefitting homeless U.S. veterans), 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.