Obituary: Bruce R. Shaffer

Bruce R. Shaffer, 85, formerly of Grand Island, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Bruce was born on Jan. 30, 1938, to the late Earl and Helen Shaffer in Seneca Falls.

After graduating from North Tonawanda High School in 1956, Bruce went on to study business at SUNY Buffalo. He then spent a career in the dental industry, selling dental supplies and designing dental offices. He began this career at the SUNY-Buffalo Dental School, moving on to be co-owner of Davis-Schultz Dental. After selling the business, Bruce was employed by McMullen Dental and eventually retired from Patterson Dental in 2000.

Bruce spent his free time playing bridge, creating custom items in his basement woodworking shop, golfing, being a Master Gardener, and traveling with his wife, Nancy.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Nancy (Johnston) Shaffer; two sisters: Sue Weinheimer of North Carolina and Anita Zebulske of North Tonawanda; three sons: Scott Shaffer and his wife Pamela of Rowlett, Texas; Steven Shaffer and his wife Natalie of Buffalo; and Greg Shaffer and his wife, Sharon, of North Carolina, and daughter Dr. Margaret Clark and her husband, Dr. Dan Clark, of Indiana, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In keeping with his generous spirit, Bruce donated his body to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where his granddaughter is a medical student. As a result, there will be a private Celebration of Life hosted by the family on June 10 in Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made In Bruce’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 12, Williamsville, NY 14221, 716-449-3795.

His smile and sense of humor will be missed.