JOHN SHAFFER
John Richard Shaffer passed peacefully on Monday, July 8th, 2024. Born on July 23, 1942, in Steubenville, Ohio to Perle Mercer and Mary Catherine (Everhart) Mills. He graduated from Big Red High School and upon graduation he entered the air force as part of the Military Police. After an honorable discharge he attended and graduated from Central Michigan University. Upon graduation he worked at Economy Baylor and Weirton Steel. While working at Weirton Steel he attended night school and graduated from Duquesne University where he obtained his Juris Doctorate. He was admitted to both the Ohio Bar Association and the Jefferson County Bar Association in 1981. He and his wife started a law practice (Shaffer and Shaffer) in 1981 and both retired in 2015. He was admitted to the Federal Circuit in 1983 and the 6th Circuit in 1985. He served his community as the Steubenville City Prosecutor from 1985-1989. He also served as the town magistrate and solicitor for the Village of Amsterdam, Ohio.
He met his wife Arlene Angel-Shaffer while attending law school. They were married on February 13, 1981, and were happily married for 43 years. John was known for his witty sense of humor and the love he had for his family.
John was preceded in death by his parents Perle Mercer and Mary Catherine (Everhart) Mills, and his two sisters Bess Thompson and Pearl “Kathy” (Carl) Mills. He is survived by his wife Arlene Angel-Shaffer of Steubenville, Ohio, his daughter Sarah (Ed) Willison of Amsterdam, Ohio and two sons Daniel (Carrie) Shaffer of Toronto, Ohio and Joseph (Jessica) Shaffer of Clarksville, TN. He had six grandchildren: Eddie, Kyle and Ben Willison, Brendan “Sage”, Carsen, and John Shaffer. Also cherishing John’s memories are a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and dear friends.
Per John’s request, there will be no public funeral or memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz. org).