Robert Harry Shaffer

Robert H. Shaffer

Of Bergenfield, NJ

ROBERT H. SHAFFER, from Bergenfield, NJ, died on July 22, 2024, at the age of 86. Born Sept. 25, 1937 to Carl John Shaffer and Marion Elizabeth Shaffer at Somerset Hospital in Somerville, NJ, he was preceded in birth by his older brother, Korean War Veteran Carl Edward Shaffer, in 1930.

Robert graduated from Somerville High School in 1955. He went on to work in the retail industry and managed many stores, including Woolworths, True Value Hardware, Mitchell Simon and County Discount, the latter a popular Northern New Jersey variety store chain where countless teenage kids got their first jobs. A hard-working, dedicated employee, his career spanned over five decades.

In 1965, like something out of a Hollywood movie script, the proverbial sparks flew and the stars aligned when Robert, with his dry sense of humor, met stunner Cathy Smith on a blind date. Two months later, the smitten pair got engaged and six months after they tied the knot. They remained devoted husband and wife until his death, just four days after their 59th wedding anniversary.

Robert loved traveling with his family to Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod, where he honeymooned in 1965. Unsurprisingly, Jaws was one of his favorite movies as was the 1939 classic, Drums Along the Mohawk. He loved spending Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve at his sons’ homes, especially eating delicious home-cooked meals made by his daughters-in-law. For him, it was definitely Wendy’s > McDonald’s and while Big Jim’s was one of his go-to pizza joints, it was the lasagna at Nick’s Pizza that was his favorite. Kit-Kats and Hershey’s Kisses were daily indulgences but no day was complete without some Breyers ice cream.

Family meant everything to Robert. He was proud of his sons, Bobby and Bryan, both college graduates whose careers have spanned more than two decades in the real-estate industry. He enjoyed attending his grandsons’ hockey and baseball games and beamed with pride watching his granddaughters sing and perform on stage.

Perhaps nothing inspired him more than attending church, as he did nearly every Sunday since 1975. He was a treasurer, trustee and deacon at the First Baptist Church in Bergenfield, NJ and later at the Emerson Bible Church in Emerson, NJ. Those who knew him know he was blessed with the gift of prayer. Robert was an eloquent, off-the-cuff orator—never pre-written, always delivered straight from his heart and soul.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Carl. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cathy, sons Bobby and Bryan, grandchildren Samantha, Bret, Alexandra and Gavin, and his daughters-in-law Kim and Stacey. Robert loved his family dearly. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Private Services are being held at Hennessey’s Funeral Home, Deposit, NY. Interment will be held in Hale Eddy Cemetery, Deposit, NY.