Gary A. Shaffer

Gary A. Shaffer, 69, of Williamstown, passed away on July 23, 2023.

Gary was born in Harrisburg on April 23, 1954 and was a 1972 graduate of Central Dauphin High School.

Gary worked from his early teens until retirement. Along the way, he worked one summer on a paving crew during the day and UPS at night.  He worked at the Bethlehem Steel Mill and enjoyed shooting pool on the Steel Worker's Bar pool team.  He moved on, worked at PPL, became a chimney sweep, a groundskeeper, and then switched gears to become Recreation Therapy Director at Elizabethtown Hospital where he arranged horseback riding for the kids and raised money for a playground.  He became a teacher and taught history for 26 years at Linglestown Middle School; he also coached wrestling and track and created the Film and Outdoor Clubs for the students.

Gary lived a life defined by his passions: family and friends, his students, hunting, hiking, trap shooting, his Irish heritage, and spending time at the family hunting camp in Potter County. He didn’t own a computer or use email. He'd sooner read history books and Western novels, listen to country music, bluegrass, Irish and oldies, and watch John Wayne and Western movies. Gary Alan Shaffer is named after Gary Cooper and Alan Ladd.  

He loved bluegrass concerts and shooting wobble trap at Wimpys.  He was VP at the Blue Ridge Sportsman’s Club where he helped create the Women and Kids Program. Finding his “Ponderosa” he settled in Williamstown. There, Gary was an assistant coach for the Williams Valley Trap Team, and took pride in their win of the Open Class title, SCTP National Championships, 2022. He was an avid shooter throughout much of his life, and enjoyed many weekends with friends in the sport.

He carried dog bones in his pickup for all his 4-legged friends. There is so much more to say about a man who lived his dream. Gary touched many lives as a teacher, mentor and friend. 

Gary is survived by his mother Catherine Shaffer, sister Diane, brothers Kevin (Karen) and Michael, nephews Sam and Victor, and beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He is predeceased by his father, Gerald A. Shaffer.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Gary at the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club, 1176 North Fairville Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17112 at 1 pm on August 20, 2023. Shooting will be available.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club or the Williams Valley Trap Team, PO Box 62, Tower City, PA 17980.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Gary's family. To send condolences, visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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