Obituary of Donald Shaffer

Donald Paul Shaffer, 72, died on July 7, 2012, at the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Don was born on June 16, 1940, in Philadelphia, the son of the late Dorothy and Earl Shaffer. He was a graduate of The Haverford School (1958), Cornell University (1962), and the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Graduate School (1964). His athletic accomplishments included acting as Captain of the Cornell basketball team and being elected into Haverford's Athletic Hall of Fame. After military service in the U.S. Army from 1964-1966, Don started a 30-year career in the textile business, first with E.I. DuPont, and then joining J.P. Stevens, International Division, in 1976. He served as President of the division from 1985 to 1992. Having been a resident of Montgomery Township for 44 years, he participated in many activities in the area with his family. He especially enjoyed the friendship of fellow members at The Bedens Brook Club in Skillman, where he played paddle tennis and golf. He was also a member of the Old Guard of Princeton. Don is survived by his wife, Susan Ertel Shaffer, married 46 years; his brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Karen Shaffer of Pennington; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and David Lemire of Scottsdale AZ; his son and daughter-in-law, Donald Hepworth Shaffer and Jennifer Alba Bensadoun of Berkeley CA and their children Sabine (4) and Samuel (1 1/2); and his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew Evans Shaffer and Jennifer Guilbert Shaffer of Bloomfield MI and their children Andrew (8) and Kara (5). There will be a private burial at the Rocky Hill Cemetery, followed by a Memorial Reception for friends at The Bedens Brook Club in Skillman from 5-7pm on Tuesday, July 10. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to The Haverford School, Class of 1958, 450 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford PA 19041 Arrangements are under the direction of The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home Princeton.