Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday for John Charles Shaffer, Hermitage, who passed away peacefully at 3:47 p.m. Monday (8-31-15) in the Hospitality Care Center, Hermitage, following a 13 month battle with lung cancer. He was 73. John was born February 26, 1942 in Sharon the son of Charles "Chuck" and Patricia Christensen Shaffer. He graduated from the former St. Joseph's Elementary School and from Hickory High School in 1960 where he was a standout Basketball player for the Hornets State Runner Up team. A decorated veteran of the United States Army, John served during the Berlin Crisis and was honorably discharged May 11, 1962 with both the Sharpshooter and Marksman Ribbon. John had strong Christian beliefs and prayed daily for everyone. He worked at the former GATX Masury plant until it's closing in 1984. While at GATX, he was proud member and Past President of his union always advocating for workers rights. Following his work at GATX, he gained employment with the city of Hermitage in their maintenance department. He worked his way up the ranks and worked for both the street department, and the city sewer plant. He was a member and Past President of AFSCME, Council 85 where he also advocated for workers rights. John helped negotiate a contract for the union workers to gain better Health Care and better wages. He was self taught and highly knowledgeable in insurance and financial matters. He had a passion for sports and coaching throughout his life. He loved spending time with his sons Mike and Chris and introduced them to baseball at an early age. He began coaching Hickory Little League baseball in 1972 and coached for 20 years at the Carl Harris Little League Complex, Virginia Road. As an umpire he enjoyed calling games long after his children had grown. He was an avid Cleveland Indians and Browns fan and immensely enjoyed watching and attending games with his sons. He also loved being with his grandchildren when he was able to travel to Rochester, NY. His wife the former Kathleen Sember whom he married July 29, 1986 survives at home. He is also survived by his two sons, Michael Shaffer and his wife Jennifer, Rochester, NY, Christopher Shaffer and his wife Lisa, Hermitage, his grandchildren, Brant, Oliviah, Austin, Grace and Brad, and his step children, Michael Thomas and his wife Brenda, Hubbard, OH, and Lauren Rivera, Sharon, his step grandchildren, Christopher and Madison, and his niece Kristin. He is also survived by his ex wife Gisela Arrow who he maintained a good friendship with over the years. He loved his children and grandchildren immensely, he will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Cheryl Bruno. Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (9-3-15) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon. Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Friday (9-4-15) in Church of Notre Dame 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, with Rev. Jeffery J. Noble, pastor as the celebrant. Internment: America's Cemetery, Hermitage (formerly Hillcrest Memorial Park) with full military honors provided by West Middlesex VFW Post No. 6233, Farrell VFW 5286, and the Wheatland American Legion Post No. 432 Honor Guard.