The Rotarian theme "Reach within to embrace humanity" clearly applied to the life of Ted Shaffer, a man who placed service above all.
Among Mr. Shaffer's numerous humanitarian efforts were the trips that he and his wife, Patricia, took to the Dominican Republic from 1995 to 2004 to participate in medical missions, including Rotary World Blindness Outreach.
"I worked in a medical clinic, while Ted was a runner for the surgical team," said Patricia Shaffer.
Theodore N. "Ted" Shaffer of Murrysville, a retired real estate broker and marketing consultant, died on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, in Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. He was 76.
"We also traveled to India twice in behalf of Rotary National Immunization Day," his wife added. "We dispensed polio vaccine to the Indian children. Ted never forgot the importance of receiving a polio shot. Dr. Jonas Salk inoculated him when he was a student at the University of Pittsburgh."
James Walko, a retired Murrysville pharmacist and a Rotary district governor, recalled how the Shaffers would make time for their numerous commitments and, at their own expense, travel to countries where Rotarians were trying to meet the needs of those who needed a helping hand.
"Ted, like myself, was a district governor of Rotary District 7330 of Murrysville-Export," Walko said. "He was also a major donor to the Rotary Foundation. And he and Pat often hosted students who were participating in Rotary's Youth Exchange Program.
Theodore Shaffer was born and raised in New Kensington, one of three sons of mechanical engineer Clarence Shaffer and his wife, Elma Streeter Shaffer.
In 1957, after graduation from New Kensington High School, where he ran track, Mr. Shaffer enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration.
In 1977, Theodore Shaffer married Patricia Skuta, a resident of Tarentum, whom he met when they were employed by the same real estate firm. "Ted was a fine, caring and giving man," his wife said. "We both had a lot in common, especially in wanting to help those who could not help themselves.
"We were both thankful for all that we had, and we wanted to give back," she added. "And Rotary helped in achieving that goal."
Mr. Shaffer was a Shriner, a board member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of Pittsburgh and a past president of the Pittsburgh and state chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, Mr. Shaffer is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Kenny of Monument, Colo., and Jennifer Page of Grants Pass, Ore.; seven grandchildren; and a brother, David M. Shaffer of Mentor, Ohio.
Mr. Shaffer was preceded in death by a brother, Charles A. Shaffer; a nephew, Travis Max Miller; and a niece, Mary Jo Skuta Teske.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Hart Funeral Home Inc., Murrysville, where Rotary District 7330 will hold a tribute at 2 p.m.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with the Rev. Wayne P. Barrett officiating.
Interment will be private in Greenwood Memorial Park, New Kensington.
