Ronald Irvin Shaffer's Obituary
On Friday, December 8, 2023, Ronald Irvin Shaffer, loving husband, father, and grandfather
passed away peacefully at the age of 82.
Ron was born on May 27, 1941, Johnstown, PA to Howard and Elmira Shaffer. He graduated
from Johnstown High School in 1959. After graduation, Ron worked for Bethlehem Steel at their
mill in Johnstown. In 1961, Ron moved to Alexandria, VA to begin his career in the Federal
Government. He worked for several agencies in the Federal Government for his entire career
and retired from the Department of Energy in 1996.
On October 27, 1962, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Helen Cale, who
preceded him in death. Ron and Joyce were married for 59 years. Ron and Joyce raised their
children, Scott and Ronda, in Manassas, VA.
Both Ron and Joyce were very active in the Greater Manassas Baseball League, where both of
their children played baseball. Ron helped with the construction of the E.G. Smith Baseball
Complex, which is still in use today.
Ron’s passions were fishing, hunting, and golf. He spent most weekends in the woods, on a
stream or on a golf course laughing with friends. From the late 1960’s through 2017, he was a
regular in the checkout line at Quantico Marine Corp Base where he did most of his deer
hunting. He also enjoyed watching his grandsons, Tyler and Nathan, at their sporting events. He
and Joyce were fixtures behind the backstop at Kettle Run High school watching Tyler play for
the Cougars, and in the bleachers, watching Nathan play lacrosse. Both Ron and Joyce traveled
all over the east coast to watch their grandsons play on their travel teams as well as visiting
their daughter Ronda in Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC where they loved going to races,
concerts, and sporting events.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Elmira Shaffer.
Ron is survived by his older brother Terry Shaffer of Johnstown, Pa. and children, Scott and
Ronda, daughter-in-law Tammy and two grandsons Tyler and Nathan Shaffer.
A funeral service will be held at the Found and Sons Chapel at 850 Sperryville Pike in Culpeper,
VA on Thursday, December 14th at 7 PM. The family will receive family and friends for one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (https://www.vawildlife.org/donate). The “Additional Information” section on the donation form
can be used to donate in Ron’s name.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Ronald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ronald?
Share a story where Ronald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ronald you’ll never forget.
How did Ronald make you smile?

