Darwin J. Shaffer (DJ)

Darwin J. Shaffer (DJ), 78, passed away on June 14, 2026, at Meadville Medical Center - Grove Street.

He was born in Windber, PA on March 17, 1948, to parents Margerie Shaffer (Lehman) and Wilber Shaffer.

In 1968 DJ joined the US Navy for a four-year enlistment; he became an air traffic controller after honorable discharge. He loved his career and retired after almost 35 years of service at the Reading, PA control tower.

After retirement in 2004, DJ moved to Meadville, PA and began volunteering at East Mead Volunteer Fire Company. He especially loved working in the kitchen on bingo nights, when he would sneak home hotdogs (complete with buns and ketchup) for his two dogs. DJ was also a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program, making over 500 trips to Erie, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo, while surviving a deer strike, being run into a ditch, and an encounter with a very unfriendly horse.

His hobbies included hiking, playing recreational softball for the champion “Kutters Corner” team, woodworking, and model railroading. In later years, these hobbies faded and his childhood passions for sports statistics and eating Whoopie pies resurfaced.

Above all, DJ was a gentle soul who adored his family and whose presence in the world made it a kinder place. He will be sorely missed by his family who cherish him and wish him Godspeed.

DJ is survived by his wife, Vanessa; his three children, James (Robyn), Jeff (Victoria), and Jason (Stephanie); his four grandchildren, Madelyn, Zachary, Hunter, and Claire; and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his ex-wife, Kathleen Shaffer. DJ and Kathi’s union produced his three incredible sons.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., MEADVILLE. His family plans a private gathering at a later date.

The family encourages memorial contributions to any charitable cause that helps underserved beings and touches your heart.

Memories and Condolences can be shared at www.rosefh.com.