Obituary of Robert E. Shafer, Sr.

Mr. Robert E. Shafer, Sr., 86, of Lafayette Street, Palatine Bridge, New York died Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. Mary’s Healthcare of Amsterdam. Born on May 25, 1934 in Schenectady, NY, he was the son of Floyd Frederick Shafer, Sr. and Hattie Fredenberg Shafer. Mr. Shafer worked for Grand Union in various positions for 33 years, starting at 17 years old. He retired in 1995. He spent most of his life in the local area, previously residing in Schenectady. He was in the Air National Guard for 8 years, fulfilling his military obligations. Bob was of Christian faith. He enjoyed Trap Shooting and he had a passion for fishing and a love for animals. On November 10, 2016, Bob was married to Arlene Thayer in the Town of Sterling. He married his first wife, Maureen Ann Wickham on September 17, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Church in Schenectady. She preceded him in death on November 6, 2014. His grandson, Aaron Ward and granddaughter, Jackie also predeceased him. Mr. Shafer is survived by his wife, Arlene Shafer of Palatine Bridge, NY; 4 children, Robert E. Shafer, Jr. and Gail of Canajoharie, NY, Christine and Jeffery Howe of Ilion, NY, Richard and Sondra Shafer of Galway, NY, Barbara Shafer Ward of Delanson, NY; 14 grandchildren, Erica, Robert III, Michael, Nicholas, Melissa, Jonathan, Jill, Kaylee, Cassie, Matthew, Emily, Jeffery, Samantha, Caleb; 11 great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Kylee, Maya, Kayden, Peyton, Jordyn, Gavin, Aiden, Grace, Bennett, Rylynn, Anthony, Raelynn and Harper; 5 step-children, David Thayer, John Thayer, Brian Thayer, Kathy Ackerson, George Thayer; 14 step-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Susan MacVilla. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 5:00PM with a visitation for relatives and friends from 3:00-5:00PM at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY. We ask anyone in attendance to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Burial will take place at Canajoharie Falls Cemetery on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 1:00PM.