The Rev. Jay F. Shaffer of Greensburg passed away Wednesday Jan 31, 2018 at the age of 92. Born December 3, 1925 at the family farm in a community called Beautiful Lookout, New Bethlehem, PA, he was the son of the late Albert King and Grace Rugh Shaffer.
Pastor Shaffer was a graduate of New Bethlehem High School, Clarion University and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He was ordained in the former Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1961. In the E.U.B. Church, he served Lickingville Charge in Venango County, McKeesport Highland Grove, Shanksville, Central City, and Punxsutawney. In the United Methodist Church, he pastored Trinity in Mount Pleasant and Christ UMC in Youngwood. During retirement, he served a year at New Alexandria, did pulpit supply and was very active at Christ UMC in Youngwood.
A member of the F. & A. M. Lodge of New Bethlehem, Rev. Shaffer served as the state chaplain of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for several years. He is survived by sons Daniel C. Shaffer and wife Linda of Dubois, David L. Shaffer and wife Kathy of Ringgold, and Mark Shaffer of Greensburg; daughters Patricia Rega of Greensburg and Susan Patrick and husband Michael of Greensburg; seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Grace I. Bish Shaffer in 2011 after 66 years of marriage, a grandson Ian Patrick, and seven brothers.
Family and friends will be received at Christ United Methodist Church, 100 Lincoln Ave., Youngwood 15697 on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 2-7 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. with The Rev. John Seth and Rev. Robert Green officiating.
Interment will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery New Bethlehem, PA Monday, February 5, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Allegheny 100 Camp Allegheny Drive, Stoystown, PA 15563, or to Christ United Methodist Church, Youngwood.