Edwin R. Shaffer

Edwin R. Shaffer, 79, of Stamford, NY passed away at his home on January 25, 2026.

Born on August 17, 1946 in Kingston, NY to Robert E. Shaffer and Marion G. (Gallagher) Shaffer. Edwin “Ed” grew up in North Blenheim, NY with his sister Gail Shaffer on their family farm. They ran their family farm along with their Uncle Gladsby and Aunt Daisy and were raised alongside their cousins, Stanley and Sandra. Ed attended the one-room schoolhouse in Blenheim, NY until 1956 when it closed. He then attended Gilboa-Conesville Central School until he graduated as valedictorian in 1964. Ed attended Clarkson College for one year and then transferred to Syracuse College of Forestry where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in 1969. Ed served in the United States Air Force from 1970-1974 when he was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Ed returned home to help run the family farm and open his own forestry consulting business. He served as the county forester for Schoharie County for many years.

Ed loved spending his time hiking through the woods, enjoying wildlife, and sharing his love of nature with others through photography. Ed was actively involved in his church and served as an elder in Community Gospel Church and Calvary Full Gospel Church. He was also the school board president for Community Gospel Christian School (Lighthouse Christian Academy) for many years. He had strong faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Ed was always a shining example of the love of Christ and what it looks like to live for the Lord and serve others. He was generous to everyone, both friends and strangers and his kindness extended to animals as well. He also had a strong love for his family and loved spending time with them, especially on family vacations. He loved his dog, Buddy and his horses.

He is survived by his wife: Jackie A. (Reed) Shaffer; his children: Colin Jay Eck, Brienna Shaffer, Christianna (Shaffer) DeLuca; son-in-law: Richard A. DeLuca; grandchildren: Dominicci DeLuca, Calumina DeLuca, Eliyana DeLuca and Alexander Eck; his sister: Gail Shaffer; his cousins: Stanley Shaffer, Sandra (Shaffer) Gray and Mark Gray.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Community Gospel Church, 12 Grove St., Oneonta, NY with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to a memorial fund to assist Ed's family at the link below. 

EDWIN SHAFFER MEMORIAL FUND