Thomas Arol Schaffner, Jr.

Thomas Arol Schaffner, Jr.  of Butler, passed from this world on August 24, 2023. 

He was born on November 4, 1935 to Thomas Anthony Schaffner, Sr. and Beulah Leota (Morrow) Schaffner in Butler County, Pennsylvania. 

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Donna Mae (Strobel) Schaffner, 3 children: Laura Lynn Schaffner of Butler, PA; Mark Thomas Schaffner (Denise Riccardi) of Hilton Head, SC; and Maria Mae Siatkowski (Thomas) of Butler, PA plus countless nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.  He is survived by 8 younger siblings (Bonita Schaffner, David (Glenda) Schaffner, Patricia (William) Martin, William (Connie) Schaffner, Mary (Paul) Motko, Rebecca (Clifford) Mainwaring, Frances (Sherwin) McConnell and Jude (Karen) Schaffner) and preceded in death by his sister Karen Schaffner (1966) and brother Timothy Schaffner (2010).

Tom was an Army Veteran and served in the U.S. Army from 3/1/1954 to 2/23/1956.  He spent 13 months in Korea during that time. 

After his time in the service, he received his undergraduate degree from Slippery Rock University and received his Master’s degree from Duquesne University.  

He was a Special Education teacher at Knoch Jr-Sr High School, and he thoroughly enjoyed working with his students during his time there.

After retiring from teaching, he was a Sergeant for the U. S. Army 319th Engineering Company in Meridian, PA and retired from active duty on June 3, 1977.  He was also a Reservist and enjoyed the annual summer camps.  He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves on August 11, 1987.

Tom was an avid gardener, and his vegetable gardens were legendary in his circle of family and friends.  Tom was known for teasing, and when he got that twinkle in his eye, you knew he was pulling your leg.  He also loved reading, particularly books about Westerns and WWII, while listening to Country Western music.  His absence from this world will definitely be felt by his family and friends.

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday.  A Blessing Service will be held on Wednesday, at 11:30 am, at the Funeral Home.  The Rev. Ward Stakem, OFM Cap. to officiate.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Butler.

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