David Leland Shaffer – Elizabeth, formerly of Clairton
David Leland Shaffer, age 78, of Elizabeth, formerly of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. He was born in McKeesport on June 10, 1943, to the late John and Helen McKown Shaffer. Dave was a 1961 graduate of Clairton High School. He was a member of Duquesne-McKeesport Lodge, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh and Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church. Dave had a varied career path. He spent several years in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army National Guard. He worked for 19 years at U.S. Steel Corp, until the shutdowns in the 1980s forced him to take on a variety of different jobs, including his own hauling business, Shaffer Hauling. Dave finished his career with 16 years as a corrections officer at Western Penitentiary. Dave was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and soon-to-be great-grandfather. His was a life well lived, full of love for his friends and family. Dave loved his family, he bragged all the time about his children and grandchildren. He was married for 57 years to his lovely bride, Shirley. He had two daughters, Kathryn (Robert) Bedell and Linda (Duane) Richardson; six grandchildren, Garrett (Callie Conroy) Bedell, Mariel (Jack Urbanek) Bedell, Samuel (Becca) Richardson, Hannah (Adam) Wehr, Lydia Richardson and Isaac Richarson; and his first great-grandchild, baby Wehr, due to arrive in May. Dave is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Spielman, of Hanover, N.H., and two nieces and great-nephews and a great-niece. Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME INC., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A Masonic service will be held during the viewing at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at the funeral home.
