Schaffner

Thomas Arol Schaffner Jr., of Butler, passed from this world on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023.

He was born on Nov. 4, 1935, to Thomas Anthony Schaffner, Sr. and Beulah Leota (Morrow) Schaffner in Butler County.

Tom was an veteran and served in the U.S. Army from March 1, 1954 to Feb. 23, 1956. He spent 13 months in Korea during that time.

After his time in the service, he received his undergraduate degree from Slippery Rock University and received his master’s degree from Duquesne University.

He was a special education teacher at Knoch High School, and he thoroughly enjoyed working with his students during his time there.

After retiring from teaching, he was a sergeant for the U.S. Army 319th Engineering Company in Meridian, Pa. and retired from active duty on June 3, 1977. He was also a reservist and enjoyed the annual summer camps. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves on Aug. 11, 1987.

Tom was an avid gardener, and his vegetable gardens were legendary in his circle of family and friends. Tom was known for teasing, and when he got that twinkle in his eye, you knew he was pulling your leg. He also loved reading, particularly books about World War II and Westerns, while listening to country Western music. His absence from this world will definitely be felt by his family and friends.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Donna Mae (Strobel) Schaffner; three children, Laura Lynn Schaffner, of Butler, Mark Thomas Schaffner (Denise Riccardi), of Hilton Head, S.C. and Maria Mae Siatkowski (Thomas), of Butler; plus countless nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. He also is survived by eight younger siblings, Bonita Schaffner, David (Glenda) Schaffner, Patricia (William) Martin, William (Connie) Schaffner, Mary (Paul) Motko, Rebecca (Clifford) Mainwaring, Frances (Sherwin) McConnell and Jude (Karen) Schaffner.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Schaffner (1966); and brother, Timothy Schaffner (2010).

SCHAFFNER — Friends of Thomas Arol Schaffner Jr., who died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler. A blessing service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The Rev. Ward Stakem, OFM Cap. to officiate. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Butler.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.