Terry D. Shaffer

Terry D. Shaffer, 84, of Hudson, passed away peacefully at home, on Friday, February 14, 2020, after a period of declining health. He leaves his beloved wife of over 63 years, Erla G. (Kristinsdottir) Shaffer.

Terry was born in Buffalo, New York on April 17, 1935, a son of the late Leonard and Maryland (Garrett) Shaffer. He was raised in Cassadaga, NY and graduated from Cassadaga Valley Central High School in 1953 where he played baseball and basketball.  After graduating from high school he honorably served his Nation in the United States Army, stationed in Iceland during the last year of the Korean war. Terry later attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business in 1960.

Terry joined CNA insurance in Syracuse New York upon graduating from college and went on to have a long and successful career in the insurance business.  In 1971 he joined Robert J Hanafin Inc, in Endicott, NY as President and commenced a long and successful business partnership and friendship with Marty Hanafin.

Terry retired in 2000 and moved to West End, North Carolina where he and Erla built a beautiful home on a lake.  They enjoyed the weather, played golf and made many friends in their fifteen years in NC. The highlights from those years were visits from their grandchildren and trips they took with their good friends Marion and Eric Goercke.  In late 2015 Terry and Erla moved to Hudson, MA.

Terry was at his happiest when surrounded by family.  He enjoyed reading everything about World War II history and visiting museums and attending lectures given by veterans of WWII.  He was a longtime fan of the Syracuse Orange basketball team since moving to Syracuse in 1960. During his North Carolina years he followed Duke basketball and always enjoyed following local high school sports wherever he lived.

In addition to his beloved wife, Erla G. (Kristinsdottir) Shaffer, he is also survived by his children, Douglas J. Shaffer and his spouse Leigh of Boxborough, Richard W. Shaffer of Endicott, N.Y. and Lara L. Mehta and her spouse Devinder of Gainesville, FL; a brother, Alan Shaffer and his spouse Jackie and 7 grandchildren, Bryan, Lauren, Karen and Kevin Shaffer, Kalindi, Shyam and Ambarisha Mehta. He was also predeceased by his brother Garrett Shaffer.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a period of visitation from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at TIGHE HAMILTON REGIONAL FUNERAL HOME, 50 Central St. Hudson, MA; immediately followed by a Celebration of his life at 11 am in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Terry D. Shaffer to the Amyloid Research Fund: http://www.bu.edu/amyloid/donate/.  You can either donate on line or print out a donation card and mail a check.