Richard Dennis Shafer

Richard Dennis Shafer (Denny), age 89, of Frederick, died Tuesday, June 23, 2026, peacefully in his sleep. Denny was born on April 26, 1937 in Frederick, Maryland to Richard Lewis Shafer and Esther Eloine Cheney (nee Knode). He was their only child.

Denny was the loving husband of Patricia (Pat) Ann Shafer (nee Hahn) for 62 years. She preceded him in death in 2020 following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He is survived by their three children, Edward W. Shafer of Frederick, Gregory H. Shafer (Cheryl) of Swanton, and Angela D. Gill (Jim) of Severn. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Stephanie A. Shafer, Richard J. Shafer, Benjamin A. Shafer, Tara L. Shafer, and Alexander J. Gill; as well as an aunt and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Denny graduated from Frederick High School in 1955 and served in the Army National Guard from 1954-1956. He then transferred to the U.S. Navy (Submarine Service) in 1956 and served until 1961, followed by service in the Navy Reserves until 1962. While serving, he and his wife were stationed in Key West, Florida, and Charleston, South Carolina. His deployments included the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. Denny was an active member of the American Legion, Sons of Legion at the Francis Scott Key Post #11 in Frederick.

Following his honorable discharge, Denny worked in the family business, Erwin and Shafer Beer Distributors in Frederick, first as a truck driver/salesman and later as distribution manager. After the business was sold and he retired, he purchased and operated local laundromats for another decade.

When his children were young, he served as Superintendent of Sunday School at Trinity United Methodist Church and coached Little League Baseball. An avid bowler, he bowled for many years at Terrace Lanes, competing in numerous tournaments including Nationals and achieving a perfect 300 game. He helped organize and encouraged youth participation in the Saturday morning youth bowling league and accompanied them to tournaments.

One of his long-held passions was men’s softball. He served as President of the Frederick Men’s Slow Pitch Softball League at Pinecliff Park, where he was instrumental in petitioning for field lights. During his presidency, he coordinated field maintenance, ran the concession stand, and managed and sponsored a competitive team that won the National Championship at least once.

Denny was passionate about professional sports. He and Pat attended Redskins games for many years and enjoyed watching them win. He also enjoyed basketball, golf, and occasional baseball games. For many decades, he also enjoyed weekly card games with a close group of friends.

In recent years, Denny was a member and organizer of the monthly JOY (Just Older Youth) Club luncheons for senior adults at Trinity United Methodist Church and played in and organized a Bridge club at Homewood in Frederick.

The family is sincerely grateful for the compassionate care provided by his dear friend and caregiver, Cynthia White, and her son, Sebastian.

Visitation in celebration of his life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Stauffer Funeral Home in Frederick. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Christ Reformed Church Cemetery in Middletown.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.