Richard "Rich" Arthur Shafer

Richard “Rich” Arthur Shafer, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather passed away peacefully, at the age of 87. Rich resided in Wilson, his home for forty-two years where he will be missed by friends whom he touched through golf, woodworking, social events, and countless conversations. Rich was ready to talk to anyone, friend or stranger. He enjoyed discussing his time spent in Northern California, Georgia, New Jersey, or North Carolina. His trips with Pat around the world, especially Europe and Asia, were favorite topics. He delighted his friends and family with helpful repairs, home repairs and new creations from his wood shop.

Born to Arthur Franklin (Tony) Shafer and Ella Lenore Tureman Shafer in Eureka, California, Rich, as a boy, knew "Shafer's Hardware," where his father and "Uncle Bob" and "Aunt Bernice" Kitchen worked. Perhaps this was where Rich learned about tools. It is where he joined the United States Navy and served his country with honor and pride. It is also where Rich met Patricia Jean Shafer, his wife of sixty-six years. Pat and Rich married on May 8, 1959. Their family grew with the arrivals of Bradley James and Terri Lee prior to their moves to Georgia, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Rich loved people. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and telling his story gave him much joy. Rich loved hobbies. Rich gave his all to playing tennis, fixing cars, golfing, camping, photography, and woodworking. His talents were extraordinary. The artifacts from these hobbies are still enjoyed by friends and family. Rich was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was quick to discuss their accomplishments with any willing listener. Rich loved travel. Whether touring France or England or seeing sites in Hong Kong or Singapore, or elsewhere, Rich and Pat were immersed in their travels. They have slides to prove it. Rich and Pat had many great dogs over the years, whom they adored. Rich dutifully exercised and cared for their dogs, treasuring their companionship. Rich told many "Pop Pop" jokes, many of which relied on word play. He loved to laugh, and his laughter proved infectious to those around him. Rich retired as Vice President of Marketing and Sales with Kidde Aerospace and Defense in 1999 after twenty-one years where he was respected for management of sales and after-sale service for the whole division. Rich is survived by his wife, Patricia Jean Shafer; his son, Bradley James Shafer; daughter Terri Lee Joffe (David); grandchildren Richard Bradley Shafer (Caroline Batten), Jeffrey Walter Shafer (Emily Madeline), Bradley David Joffe (Kara Elizabeth), Abigail Lee Joffe-Aalto (Patrick Ryan), Nathan Robert Joffe (Jessica Taylor), Andrew James Shafer; his great-grandchildren, Noah Rylan Joffe, Audrey Mae Joffe, Eloise Mae Shafer, Hazel Madeline Shafer, Levi David Joffe, Quinn Iris Shafer, and Ezra Michael Joffe.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson with the family receiving friends immediately following.

Flowers are welcome or consider memorials in Rich’s memory to Mulligans Fore Kids, PO Box 3413, Wilson, North Carolina 27895.