William M. Shafer

William M. Shafer, Sr, 84, of the  town of Princetown, Schenectady, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on February 20, 2024, after a courageous, long-fought, battle with cancer. He was born March 27, 1940 in Carlisle, NY, to Alton Parker and Juliette (Van Buren) Shafer. Bill loved hunting with his bow and arrow, muzzleloader, and guns, and everyone loved listening to his adventurous stories. He was intent on learning how to do everything, and started working at a young age helping his father with his roofing business, Niskayuna Roofers. After leaving school, he went on to work at The Carl Co., B&N Floor Covering, Culligan Water Conditioning, and eventually retired from General Electric as a plumber/steamfitter in 1995. His vast knowledge came in handy in doing small side-jobs of home remodeling, and eventually building their home in 1969, which is still home on the family farm. He, and his wife of 62 years, brought up their four children in this home, and raised several goats, and all kinds of various farm animals. In 1976 they rescued a white-tail deer they called Fawn. This all led to the many interesting stories he loved telling, and everyone loved listening to. He was an avid hunter, and a member of the Guan Ho Ha Gun Club in his early years. Throughout the years, he and his wife traveled many times across the United States, visiting friends and family. He was a member of the Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club which was held on the family farm many years ago, and also has been a member of the Princetown HOURGLASS Seniors since its inception.

For the past 24 years they have enjoyed spending winters in Polo Park, Davenport, FL, where he loved sitting in the warm sunshine visiting with close neighbors and friends. His greatest enjoyment there was going to the music ‘jams’ at several different parks. Through this he made so many lasting friendships with people from across the United States and Canada. For approximately 15 of those FL years, he enjoyed driving for the Citizen’s Assisted Patrol (CAP) program for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Janice (Coons) Shafer, and their four loving and dedicated children… William ‘Buddy’ Shafer, Jr, Susan Shafer (John Burrows), Scott Shafer, and Julie Shafer Bailey (Joe Kukella), with eight caring grandchildren: Shawn Prater, Bryan Shafer (Kaitlyn), Nick Shafer, Victoria Schauer (Lauren), Denine Diamond (Nolan), and Hannah, Tyler and Parker Shafer. He also has six delightful great-grandchildren: Maya Shafer, Brayden Prater, Olivia Wilkins, and Layne, Chase and Sadie Diamond. In addition, he is survived by his dedicated brother, James Shafer (Janice), and several loved nieces and nephews.

His family would like to acknowledge the Schenectady Hospice Community, close family members, and our many life-long friends and extended family, for their comforting support. Thank you all so much!

At his request, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held on the farm at a later date not yet determined.