Donald A. Sheaffer

Donald A. Sheaffer, 86, of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, and formerly of New Holland, died Sunday, July 15, 2012 at the Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Jersey Shore, PA., he was the son of the late John Donald and Olive Emily Sheats Sheaffer. Don served in the United States Army as a radio operator during World War II. He was the loving husband of Margaret E. "Marge" Harnish Sheaffer and they would have observed their 63rd wedding anniversary in August of this year. Don received a Bachelor's in Education Degree from Kutztown State Teachers College; and his Masters in Education Degree from Temple University. He started his professional career as a Science Teacher working at East Donegal High School, Mountville Junior High School and New Holland High School. From 1956 to 1983 he served as Principal for the Eastern Lancaster County School District (Garden Spot High School) in New Holland. During his term as principal he was an enthusiastic supporter in expanding the Arts program at Garden Spot High School in all areas of performing arts: theatre, music, and creative art. He also directed the expansion of academic programs as well as building upgrades and development within the school district. Don was a member of the PA Association of Secondary Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He was an active and faithful member of St. Stephen United Church of Christ in New Holland, and served 12 years on the church Consistory, was president of Consistory and building chairman for 2 terms. Don was also a member of Sell Chapel at Masonic Village. Don was a member of: the Howell Masonic Lodge 405 Honey Brook, Zembo Shrine of Harrisburg, Lancaster County Shrine Club, Donegal Area High Twelve Club 686, and the Lancaster-Lebanon Secondary Athletic Association where he served as secretary/treasurer, the Eastern Lancaster County School Board where he served as treasurer for 8 years and many more Masonic, Veteran, and civic organizations. Throughout his life Don was always an educator first; and during his time that he served as Principal he had a passion for helping students that had dropped out of school and would contact and encourage those students to continue their education to receive their high school diploma. Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters: Gale G. Sheaffer of Tampa, Fl., Kay J. wife of Dr. William Raffensperger of New Holland, three sons: Donald A. Sheaffer Jr., of Livermore, CA., John C. husband of Mary Sheaffer of Millersburg, Thomas G. husband of Illyse Sheaffer of Marietta, GA., and six grandchildren. Preceding him in death is a grandson, Jared B. Sheaffer, and a sister, Jeanne Elizabeth Sheaffer. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Don's Service of Remembrance and Celebration at the John S. Sell Memorial Chapel at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown on Saturday, July, 28, 2012 at 10:30 AM. A Masonic service will be provided by the Howell Lodge and Military Honors will be accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard. Interment service will be private and at the convenience of the family. Friends may visit with the family at the Sell Chapel on Saturday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Don's memory to Children's Dyslexia Centers Inc. 213 West Chestnut Street Lancaster, PA 17603-3519.