David Lloyd Shaffer, 76, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, after a lengthy battle with respiratory illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Indiana, Pa., David was the son of the late Lloyd and Sarah Shaffer. In the midst of the Vietnam War, he answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His training at Parris Island led him to Dong Ha, Vietnam, just yards from the DMZ and an experience that shaped his lifelong pride in the Marine Corps. Following active duty, he continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserves in Buffalo, N.Y., where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.
David dedicated his life to helping others. He joined the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department, becoming the company’s first EMT. What began as a part‑time role at Genesee Memorial Hospital in 1986 grew into a 27‑year career in EMS. His service included time with the City of Batavia Fire Department (1999-2009) and Mercy Flight (2009-2013), where his skill, compassion, and calm presence made a lasting impact.
In 1988, while working at Genesee Memorial Hospital, David met the woman who would change his life forever. What started as friendship blossomed into a deep and enduring love. They began dating in the spring of 1990 and were married on July 25, 1992. Their bond was the foundation of his happiest years.
Dave was an avid history buff and a talented wood craftsman, and he took great pride in tending his vegetable garden. Dave never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with kindness, friendship and hospitality. Once you were a friend of Dave Shaffer’s, you were always a friend of Dave Shaffer’s.
David is survived by the love of his life, his wife JoAnn Shaffer; his children Cindy, Sandy (Scott), Danielle (John), Emily, and Jerry; and his grandchildren, Shentelle (Jestin), Allisa, Allie (Greyson), Mandy, Stephani, Joe, Danny (Stephanie), Brittany, Josie, and Anthony, along with more than twenty great‑grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving sisters Dotty, Edie, Effie, and Linda, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents‑in‑law, Stan and Mary Ugorek, and his brothers‑in‑law Kenny, Jim, Ed, and Dayton.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Military Museum at Richard’s Coffee Shop, an organization that honors veterans. It’s a place that made David feel welcome the moment he stepped through the door. Visit https://www.welcomevets.com/
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Shaffer family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.