Ralph Shaffer

Ralph K. Shaffer, October 13, 1934 - December 28, 2022

Ralph Kenneth Shaffer, 88 of Little Egg Harbor, NJ and previously Smithville, NJ passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Ralph was a very loving father and husband. He was born in Ellerslie, MD, and grew up in Cumberland and Ellerslie, MD. He graduated from Allegany High School in Cumberland, MD, where he also was known for playing football. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers. He attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA for Mechanical Engineering. He worked as a Turbine and Compressor Erector and Electrician at DeLaval Turbomachinery, Trenton, NJ for 38 years, where he was also on the bowling and softball teams. He was a member of Emmaus United Methodist Church of Smithville, NJ where he sang in the choir. He was a member of the Elks Lodge of Hamilton Twp. (Mercer County) and the Atlantic County Veterans Organization. He was an avid hunter of both large and small game and was a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club. He also enjoyed playing bingo, the slots at the casinos with his wife, and the lottery.

Ralph was predeceased by parents Kenneth and Myna Shaffer and brothers Vance (Norma), Leon (Bernadette), Duane (Betty) and Allen (Ethel).

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Rachel (Hammell) Shaffer, son Kenneth Shaffer and partner Lee Henry of Millville, NJ, daughters Shelleen Piselli and husband Anthony of Warminster, PA and Rebecca Murray and husband Mike of Browns Mills, NJ, brother Kim Shaffer and sister Myna Simpson, grandchildren: Nicholas Shaffer, Amanda McDonald, Tami Yates, Rachel Piselli, Alyssa Piselli, great grandchildren: Angela, Evan, Brayden and Gianna as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 7th, 2023 at Emmaus United Methodist Church in Smithville, NJ 08205. Relatives and friends will meet at Emmaus United Methodist Church for Visitation at 12pm until the Memorial Service at 1pm, followed by Interment at Emmaus Church Cemetery.