Kim R. Shaffer

Kim R. Shaffer, 91, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., surrounded by his family.  Kim was born in December of 1932 in Ellerslie, Maryland, to Myna Albright and Kenneth Linwood Shaffer on the farm property of his maternal grandparents, John and Sara Albright.  Upon graduation from Allegany High School in Cumberland, Maryland in 1951, Kim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years in the Dental Corps stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital.  Kim had a lifelong desire to help people.  He accomplished his goal by graduating from the University of Pittsburgh and its Dental School with his Bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1962.  He worked as a dentist in Butler from 1962 until 2005, and maintained his dental license until he was 90, enjoying keeping up with continuing education.  While attending Pitt, as a freshman, Kim met, and later married, Catherine Turek in July of 1960.  Kim and Catherine had four children together, Linda, Ronce, Gary K., and Glenn.  Kim was actively involved in his children’s activities as they grew up and with area churches.  He enjoyed being with his family and his pet cats, and working around his house.  Kim also loved to watch birds and animals, and classic cartoons on television.  He also treasured visiting his relatives in Atlantic City and sending them cards in his later years.   

Kim is survived by his children and his sister, Myna K. Simpson (husband James, deceased).  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Catherine in 2004, and his brothers and spouses, Allen (Ethel), Duane (Betty), Leon (Bernadette), Ralph, and Vance.  He was also preceded by his nephews, Gary L. Shaffer and Michael Simpson.  He is survived by his sister-in-law, Rachel, and Ralph’s children: Kenneth, Shelleen, and Rebecca, and Duane’s daughter, Karen Golden; Myna’s sons James and Robert; Vance’s widow, Norma; Gary L.’s widow, Rosalie; and their families.  Kim is also survived by a special cousin, Eston L. (Jane) Shaffer.  Kim was adopted by Catherine’s family and was preceded in death by her parents, Justine and Wasyl Turek, and siblings, Marie, Russell, and Theodore (Ted) Turek.  His sister-in law, Jean (Russell G.) Brungard and their children, Russell J., Sheryl Arnold, and Karen, as well as Russell’s son, Stephen, and Ted’s widow, Paula, survive.  Kim’s family would like to thank his medical providers, Drs. Zagger, DiMatteo, Shamir, Balouris, Crawford, and Bonnett, and the staff of BMH and AGH for taking care of him.  

Arrangements by the GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.  There will be no visitation or funeral service for Kim R. Shaffer, who died on March 21, 2024.  Burial will be private at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Donations may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.

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