Obituary – Thomas C. Shafer
Thomas C. Shafer, 84, of Mill Hall, passed away Monday, April 14, 2025 at Celebration Villa of Nittany Valley, State College, PA.
Born July 10, 1940 in South Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Dorothy McCune Shafer.
Following graduation from St. Mary’s High School in 1958, Tom obtained his degree in teaching from Lock Haven State Teachers College in 1962.
Tom began his teaching and football coaching career in 1963 at Bald Eagle Nittany High School and retired from Keystone Central School District as a Behavioral Administrator with a combined 40 years in education. Tom continued his passion for coaching football into his retirement years, accumulating a total of 47 years of teaching, guiding and coaching local youth. He also served two terms as a member of the Keystone Central School Board in his retirement years.
Tom was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, attending Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
When he found time away from the football field, Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing. He found his greatest joy in caring for and being with his family and his many students he impacted over his years.
He is survived by his wife, Andrea Louise Bankert Shafer of Mill Hall; five children: Maureen (Kerry) Johnson of Mill Hall, Kathy (Robert) Aurand of Texas, Michael (Lori) Shafer of Mill Hall, Kerry (Kris) Shafer of Virginia and Arika (Eric) Morrison of North Carolina; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Keenen Shafer.
Per Tom’s wishes, private services will be held at the convenience of his family.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be announced at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sam Casilio Scholarship Award, c/o Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
