David A. Shafer

David A. Shafer, 86 of Sugarloaf Township entered eternal rest on October 4, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton after a brief illness.

David is survived by his wife Charlotte B. Yuscavage Shafer of Sugarloaf, his children David J. Shafer (Kimberly) of Matawan, NJ, Trieste Shafer Petuch (Mark) Burlington Township, NJ, Joseph Albertine (Theresa) of Irving, TX, and Theodore Albertine (Crystal) of Shippenville, PA, and his sister Virginia Shafer Thompson, Paoli, PA. He was affectionately called Grampy by his grandchildren Mitchell Shafer, Smyrna, GA, Lindsay and Lauren Shafer, St. Petersburg, FL. He was known as Poppy to Connor and Dylan Albertine of Shippenville, PA, and Julia and Joseph Albertine of Irving, TX.

A lifetime resident of the greater Hazleton area, David graduated Hazleton Senior High School in 1955. He attended Dickenson College for one year lettering in both football and basketball. He ultimately transferred to Lycoming College where he again played both sports and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education/Social Studies in 1961.

He embarked on his teaching and coaching career in 1963 at Solanco Area High School in Quarryville where he served as an assistant football coach, assistant track and field coach, and organized and directed the intramural junior high basketball program. His desire to further his coaching aspirations led him to a teaching and basketball coaching opportunity at MMI in Freeland in 1965 where he launched his hall of fame coaching career with a record of 52-38 in the competitive Anthracite League and was inducted into the Anthracite League Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. Capitalizing on the momentum from his MMI success, he found his home at Hazleton Senior High School's history department and led the HHS Boys Basketball team from 1969-1976 finishing a commendable 102-65 in his seven seasons leading the Mountaineer squads. In 2014 he was inducted into the Hazleton Area Sports Hall of Fame.

His love of coaching and mentoring never wavered even after his decision to retire from coaching to spend more time with his family. He remained active in coaching little league baseball and CYO basketball in McAdoo and was dedicated to the success of Saullo-Serany Summer Basketball League in Hazleton at Beech Street playground. He was named coach of the year for the summer program in 1983. He believed the program was a conduit to motivate and develop the next peer group of Hazleton area basketball talent. He also was a local sports commentator on radio broadcasts of HHS Mountaineer basketball games.

His teaching career wrapped up at the end of the 1999-2000 school term. He was proud to dedicate his career to educating and empowering the next generation and had remained in contact with many former students and players over the years. His career also embedded him and gifted him with lifelong loyal friendships and trusted colleagues in his fellow teachers and administrators.
In retirement he enjoyed time at his peaceful home with his wife Charlotte and their furry companions, casino trips with his "crew", Saturday morning breakfast gatherings with his dearest friends, and monthly dinner events reconnecting with his childhood classmates and teammates.

David was preceded in death by his former wife, Joan DeBalso Shafer, daughter Tamara Shafer, parents Harry E. and Harriet A. Shafer, and his brother Harry E. Shafer, Jr. who passed recently.

A celebration of life is being planned by Dave's family and details will be shared when they are complete.  Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums, assisted the family with the arrangements.  Online condolences can be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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