Obituary of Dennis Shafer

Dennis Reed Shafer, 75, a dedicated family man and husband, peacefully passed away in his High Bridge home on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Dennis was born on January 31,1947 in Johnson City, NY to the late Howard Shafer and Madeline (Reed) Shafer. Dennis grew up in a Christ-first household, and made his lifelong purpose in serving others. As an only child he was fond of playing with his dog Taffy, and as an outdoorsman, he enjoyed setting hunting traps with his mom, fishing and hunting with friends. 

Dennis went on to Graduate with a Bachelor degree from Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts, where he met his “Dream Girl” Bonnie (Sypolt) Shafer. Dennis and Bonnie married September 19,1970 and were blessed to have two wonderful children, Debra and Jonathan. Dennis was an avid sports fan, and spent much of his time visiting many sporting shows, being involved in his son’s athletics, going to the races with his daughter, traveling and making jokes with his wife, Bonnie. 

Although in Dennis’s early years he wanted to be a Veterinarian, he was grateful to have had a long, and prosperous career, following his graduation, as a Field Inspector Manager in the automotive division for ITS and SGS. Upon his retirement, Dennis continued his love of hunting for a few years and enjoyed many outdoor fires and sporting events, taking his dog, Jayde, on walks, and spending quality time with his family and grandchildren.

He was blessed enough to have celebrated 52 years of marriage with his beloved Bonnie, prior to her passing five days earlier. They will be forever missed by their children, Debra and her husband Edwin Lam; Jonathan Shafer and his wife Devon, as well as their three grandchildren; Hiroshi and Myoah Lam, and Josephine Shafer. 

Dennis will always be remembered for his sense of humor, devotion to hunting and fishing, but mostly his love and faithfulness to his family. 

*****A Celebration of Life to Honor Dennis, will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 11:30 AM at South Ridge Community Church, 7 Pittstown Road, Clinton NJ 08809. Family and friends will be received starting at 11:00 AM.*****