Obituary: Raymond F. Shafer Jr.

Ray was born in Delanson, NY to Raymond Shafer, Sr., and Elsie Shafer (Bradt). A lifelong resident of the Capital District, Ray attended Delanson High School and soon began a 37-year career as a machinist and winder with General Electric in Schenectady, NY.

For 57 years, he shared his life with his wife, Eileen Shafer (Gabso), calling the Capital Region home and raising their family.

Life is what you make of it, and Ray was feisty and friendly. He loved his trips and errands about town, sharing a wink and smile with cashiers, counter workers, and friends. His not-so-secret vice was for ice cream, specifically Klondike Bars. He shared a deep connection with his grandson Cameron and all his children, grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Ray shared his love of the outdoors with his sons on numerous hunting and fishing excursions. Ray’s children speak of fond memories of summers working the large garden of vegetables at home. He enjoyed watching the Mets and was subtly known as the ‘coupon king’!

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his son, James Love (Tina), and his brother Loren.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eileen, and his children, Anthony (Angel), Katrina (Shafer) Westfall (Dave), Timothy Shafer (Julia), Dan Love (Marybeth), Mike Love (Jim), Ray Shafer (David), and Kelly Shafer Bagnato (Enry). Ray is also survived by his sisters, Susie and Paula, and his brother Richie.

Ray loved and experienced life with his 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022 at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Rotterdam, NY. A funeral service will take place at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Schenectady Memorial Park in Rotterdam.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Ray’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at: http://act.alz.org/goto/R_Shafer_Jr.