[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. JOHN P. SHAFFER

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                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2008

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay respect and 
tribute to Mr. John P. Shaffer, who passed away July 21 at the age of 
84.
   Mr. Shaffer was born April 25, 1924 in Youngstown, the son of John 
H. and Genevieve Perry Shaffer. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, 
Mr. Shaffer proudly served his country with honor. Following the war, 
he returned home to Niles and soon married Ann M. Bancroft, his wife of 
62 years.
   Mr. Shaffer retired in 1984 after working 31 years as a supervisor 
at National Gypsum Co. A lifelong public servant in the city of Niles, 
he was a city councilman at large for 12 years, and safety director for 
the city from 1976 to 1980. In 1984 he was elected mayor, a position he 
held until 1988.
   Mr. Shaffer's tenure as mayor is best remembered for aiding the city 
in its time of need. In 1985, his second year in office, a devastating 
tornado swept through the city leaving a path of destruction in its 
wake. Mr. Shaffer's strong leadership helped the city rise from the 
rubble, providing hope in the face of devastation.
   A patriotic American family man, Mr. Shaffer cherished time spent 
with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. An avid 
fisherman and outdoorsman, he enjoyed his retirement to the fullest 
extent, often retreating to the Florida sunshine during harsh 
Midwestern winters.
   He was a member of the Niles Men's Democratic Club, Loyal Order of 
Moose, and the Niles American Legion. A man of faith, Mr. Shaffer was a 
member of St. Stephen Church in Niles, often devoting time to those 
less fortunate. For much of his life, he was a Eucharistic minister for 
homebound parishioners.
   A man of the highest character, Mr. Shaffer's legacy in the Mahoning 
Valley will live on through his work, public contributions, and family. 
John P. Shaffer touched many lives in his lifetime, and he will be 
greatly missed. I am honored to have represented him.




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