Edward John Shaffer, 92, of Tunkhannock, PA passed away peacefully, at his home on November 10, 2023.  Surrounded by his wife, Janice, and four generations of loving family members.

Edward was born in Waymart, PA on January 9, 1931, to the late John F. and Beatrice Fielding Shaffer. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Janice Maureen Fenwick Shaffer, the love of his life.

Ed received his Bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg State College (1952) and Master’s from Penn State University (1957). He was a respected and admired history and math teacher and advisor to the Junior Historian Club in the Tunkhannock Area School District, until his retirement from teaching in 1981.

In 1958, Edward and Janice opened Shaffer’s Pink Apple as a soft ice cream stand and, over the years, grew the business into a successful family restaurant and gift shop. In 1981, they partnered with two local physicians, as owner/managers of Shadow Brook Resort for twenty years. Ed was an active member of the Tunkhannock Kiwanis Club for over 60 years and enjoyed working the Kiwanis booth at the Wyoming County Fair. His passion for history extended to helping renovate the old brick school house into the Wyoming County Historical Society. He was often found volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in the 90’s which led to the joy of flipping/renovating houses for family members throughout the next two decades.  Known to his family as a Jack of all trades, he was always quick to respond to a problem with his toolbox and some band-aids.

The couple retired to Fort Mill, South Carolina, where Ed helped NarroWay Productions renovate the King’s Arena (an amphitheater located at Heritage USA) and performed in several outdoor Christian theater shows. The couple also went on several mission trips to Honduras, where they helped build a Christian school before returning to Tunkhannock and their growing extended family. Back home, Ed and Janice continued to serve the Lord by opening the Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen in Tunkhannock, providing free hot, nutritious meals to those in need.

The love of music was in Ed’s blood and many days his children and grandchildren surrounded him as he played all his favorite hymns and love songs on any keyboard available.  His soothing tenor voice could be heard while singing with the Endless Mountains Barbershoppers and the Wyoming County Chorale.

Ed is survived by his wife, Janice, his children, Cassandra Bell (née Catherine), Mary Lu Shaffer, Susan Shaffer, John Shaffer (Donna), Sara Shaffer-Greene, and eighteen grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Hilda Shaffer Lockwood, son Edward John Shaffer, Jr., and granddaughter Lynda Nonnemacher

A public viewing will be held on Friday, November 17^th from 5 – 8 p.m. at Harding-Litwin Funeral Home in Tunkhannock.

A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 18^th with internment at Canaan Corners Cemetery in Waymart, PA.

Arrangements and care are entrusted to Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 West Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen, Inc., 51 Warren Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657. www.aplitwinfuneralhomes.com