Dennis Lee Shaffer, 77, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 14th, 2025. Known by many as “Hutz”, “Duke”, “Denny” or simply “Shaff”, Dennis was born in Rochester on January 3rd, 1948, just blocks from his childhood home and where he continued to reside for all 77 years of his life. He is the son of the late Clair and Mabel (Householder) and a beloved son-in-law of the late John and Phyllis List. In addition to those relatives, he was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister-in-law, Donald (Sella) Shaffer, Robert Shaffer and Clair “Hutz” Shaffer, a sister and brother-in-law, Hilda (Merrill) Pflug, a nephew, Michael Pflug and his dear friend, Leonard Bailey. He is survived by the love of his life, Joann (List) Shaffer, his wife of 53 years, a son and daughter-in-law, Matt “Ootsie” and Michele Shaffer of Brighton Township, a daughter and son-in-law, Gabrielle and Kyle Bush of Moon Township, five grandchildren: Helaina Rose and Kyden Matthew Shaffer and Roman Thomas, John Henry and Madilyn Joann Bush, a grand-dog, Gunnar, a cherished sister, Nancy (Paul) Alexander, three sisters-in-law, Julia Shaffer, Cathy Shaffer and Sharon (George) Karamarkovich, two brothers-in-law, John List and Stuart (Elaine) List, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Dennis followed in his brother’s footsteps joining B&W where he worked for 23 years until the mill’s closure, which lead him to U.S. Airways/American Airlines from where he retired after 29 years of service. He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Burry’s Church of Rochester, but faithfully attended Riverdale Presbyterian Church of Moon Township to worship with his family. He was a social member of the Rochester V.F.W. Post 128, a former member of the Big Knob Grange, a member of the “Fireman’s” Golf League and Chairman and a past President of the Myrtle Beach Golf Invitational.
Dennis’ family invites you to celebrate his life with them on Wednesday, May 21st, from 5-8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 22nd at the William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Officiating Dennis’s memorial service will be his pastor, the Reverend John Dykstra from Riverdale Presbyterian Church of Rochester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rochester Public Library, 252 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074.