Bert Thomas Shaffner
August 3, 1939 – July 25, 2019
Bert Thomas Shaffner, 79, of Owings, MD passed away peacefully at home July 25, 2019. He was born August 6, 1939 in Washington DC to Bert Faniot and Elizabeth Erma (Groshon) Shaffner. He was a 1957 graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School. Bert was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with the Navy from 1957 until being discharged on 1961. He started his paid Firefighter career with Prince George’s County in 1966. Bert held all types of positions in the Fire Service and retired as Battalion Chief/Captain in 1989.
Bert met his wife Pat in 1970 and they were married in 1971. They lived in Forestville, MD for 15 years before moving to Calvert County in 1986. Bert was a charter boat captain, held a 100-ton Coast Guard license, and did Marine Surveying. Bert was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Stallings-Williams Post 206 American Legion, and the Charter Boat Association, He was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals and was a member of the ABYC. Bert attended most of the Waterfowl Festivals on the Eastern Shore, and loved to eat blue crabs. Bert was also a member of the “Hole in the Wall Gang”, a trivia team at Thursday’s.
Bert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Patricia J. “Pat” Shaffner, son Thomas Phillip Archer, III, both of Owings, MD, sister LouAnn Shaffner of Concord, NC, brothers Doug Shaffner of Landover Hills, MD and Michael Shaffner and his wife Renata of Myrtle Beach, SC, and his four Boxer dogs.
Visitation
Monday, July 29, 2019
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
&
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Services
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
10:30 A.M.
Interment
- Private
Contributions
Calvert Hospice
P.O. Box 838
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-0892
Calvert County Animal Shelter
5505 Hallowing Point Road
Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678
410-535-7387
Condolences
Sort Comments
26 Jul 2019
10:27am
Gary and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss Bert terribly, such a sweetheart.
City
Chesapeake beach
State
Maryland
28 Jul 2019
8:02pm
Bert was a class A firefighter, a great friend and fellow boat Captain.
He will be missed by many!
City
Homosassa
State
Florida
26 Jul 2019
10:56am
Mrs. Shaffner and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
City
Owings
State
Md
26 Jul 2019
12:13pm
Words cannot express the sadness we feel over learning about the loss of your beloved husband, Bert. We can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to lose your best friend, companion, and soulmate of nearly 50 years. Our hearts ache with yours and we know the road ahead will be a hard one to bear. We pray that the Lord wraps you in the warmth of his love and comforts you with your fondest memories of Bert. With deep sympathy and condolences–Kathy and David Muller
City
Lothian
State
MD
27 Jul 2019
7:58am
I did not know Bert personally, but thru his brother saw he was a good man, dedicated to family and friends. Best to his soul and family.
City
King George
State
Va
27 Jul 2019
2:17pm
Bert was a professional in every undertaking. It was an honor and pleasure to work with him as we were pioneering an incredible fire service organization. Nancy and I are saddened by his passing but cherish the many fond memories of his dedication to helping others and his impactful work at PGFD. God Bless each member of Bert’s family.
Sincerely,
City
Upper Marlboro
State
Maryland
27 Jul 2019
9:18pm
Bert was a great guy that everyone that had their life touched by him was a better person because of the experience. My condolences and best wishes. Bill Gall
City
Harker Heights
State
Texas
28 Jul 2019
5:19pm
My heartfelt feelings go out to all of at the passing of Bert. I worked for and under Bert while being employed at PGFD. As a matter of fact he was one of my Instructors when I was first hired, and in recruit school. Bert was always a calming voice that I relied on during my employment. A loose like this is never easy however I am sure he has moved on to a better place. May God Bless keep him in your hearts. Best wishes George Berry
City
Phoenix
State
Az
29 Jul 2019
7:38am
Prayers for all the family and friends he leaves behind, he will forever be in your heart, he was a great friend and boat captain, and we don’t think he ever met a stranger that he didn’t touch
City
Millsboro
State
Delaware
29 Jul 2019
1:36pm
Dearest Pat and Phil,
Scott and I were so saddened to hear about Bert’s passing. He was a kind man. We have missed seeing him the last couple of months. Wednesdays at Thursday’s will not be the same without him. I always wanted to phone him when we got those tough questions on history. He was quite the history buff! And I would always joke with him that he could put his finger on the scale when we checked in a fish for the rockfish tournament.
Your hearts are so full of sadness right now and at times it may seem unbearable. You have so many happy memories of your time together and I know you wish for just a little bit more time. It is clear by the tributes on this page that Bert touched many people and will be remembered well by those who knew him. I hope in the weeks ahead that the words of those who loved him, like our family, will provide some solace. Our Love- Laura and Scott
City
CHESAPEAKE BEACH
State
MD
29 Jul 2019
8:40pm
sorry for your loss prayers be with you and your family.
City
deale
State
md
31 Jul 2019
11:30am
My prayers go to Pat and other family members and friends for loss of a great person.
City
Longs
State
South Carolina
1 Aug 2019
1:06pm
Bert was a regular customer at Chesapeake Market where I had the pleasure of meeting him. He was such a kind person…always. He kept me in flashlights ” for my safety”. He will be greatly missed. Pat, I hope your heart finds peace. God rest his gentle soul.
City
North Beach
State
MD
8 Aug 2019
12:47pm
Sorry to hear of Bert’ s passing via DeMatha email newsletter. Am one of the few left of Class of ’57 from DeMatha.
City
St. Johns
State
FL
Sort Comments
Gary and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss Bert terribly, such a sweetheart.
Bert was a class A firefighter, a great friend and fellow boat Captain.
He will be missed by many!
Mrs. Shaffner and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Words cannot express the sadness we feel over learning about the loss of your beloved husband, Bert. We can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to lose your best friend, companion, and soulmate of nearly 50 years. Our hearts ache with yours and we know the road ahead will be a hard one to bear. We pray that the Lord wraps you in the warmth of his love and comforts you with your fondest memories of Bert. With deep sympathy and condolences–Kathy and David Muller
I did not know Bert personally, but thru his brother saw he was a good man, dedicated to family and friends. Best to his soul and family.
Bert was a professional in every undertaking. It was an honor and pleasure to work with him as we were pioneering an incredible fire service organization. Nancy and I are saddened by his passing but cherish the many fond memories of his dedication to helping others and his impactful work at PGFD. God Bless each member of Bert’s family.
Sincerely,
Bert was a great guy that everyone that had their life touched by him was a better person because of the experience. My condolences and best wishes. Bill Gall
My heartfelt feelings go out to all of at the passing of Bert. I worked for and under Bert while being employed at PGFD. As a matter of fact he was one of my Instructors when I was first hired, and in recruit school. Bert was always a calming voice that I relied on during my employment. A loose like this is never easy however I am sure he has moved on to a better place. May God Bless keep him in your hearts. Best wishes George Berry
Prayers for all the family and friends he leaves behind, he will forever be in your heart, he was a great friend and boat captain, and we don’t think he ever met a stranger that he didn’t touch
Dearest Pat and Phil,
Scott and I were so saddened to hear about Bert’s passing. He was a kind man. We have missed seeing him the last couple of months. Wednesdays at Thursday’s will not be the same without him. I always wanted to phone him when we got those tough questions on history. He was quite the history buff! And I would always joke with him that he could put his finger on the scale when we checked in a fish for the rockfish tournament.
Your hearts are so full of sadness right now and at times it may seem unbearable. You have so many happy memories of your time together and I know you wish for just a little bit more time. It is clear by the tributes on this page that Bert touched many people and will be remembered well by those who knew him. I hope in the weeks ahead that the words of those who loved him, like our family, will provide some solace. Our Love- Laura and Scott
sorry for your loss prayers be with you and your family.
My prayers go to Pat and other family members and friends for loss of a great person.
Bert was a regular customer at Chesapeake Market where I had the pleasure of meeting him. He was such a kind person…always. He kept me in flashlights ” for my safety”. He will be greatly missed. Pat, I hope your heart finds peace. God rest his gentle soul.
Sorry to hear of Bert’ s passing via DeMatha email newsletter. Am one of the few left of Class of ’57 from DeMatha.