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John R. Shafer, 81, of Carlisle, died on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at UPMC West Shore, Mechanicsburg.  He was born on July 7, 1944, in Harrisburg and was a son of the late Harold E. Shafer and Mary Jane (Morris) Shafer.

John graduated from the former Scotland School for Veteran's Children in 1963.  He attended William and Mary College in Virginia before entering the U. S. Army as a member of the Army band, having served during the Vietnam War where he was an accomplished trumpet player. John retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Steelton where he was a crane operator for most of his career. John, most known by his nicknames of "Grump" or Sabe had a passion for music and played with a few bands in his earlier years. He wrote music, penned songs and poems and could play by ear with the best of them up till he lost his hearing. Recognized by his long white locks and single left side ponytail he was easy to remember. Others may recall his unique and astonishing napkin or placemat art he would complete as he sipped coffee or dined at the local establishments. He was a man who could find beauty in most things around him and had the best dark humor you could imagine. He lived life to the fullest on his terms and always was ready to share a story, complaint or a smoke. Carlisle will seem a little less bright without him in it. John took great pride in his family and is survived by five children, Jason Shafer of Shiremanstown (Lisa Burchfield), Misty Gidaro of Shamokin (Shawn Bogutskie), Jessica Kuhn of Mount Holly Springs (husband Josh), Genevieve Shafer of Poughkeepsie, NY (husband Ben Mundt) and Indigo Shafer of Philadelphia (Noah Parslow) two brothers, Tom Shafer (wife Ann) of Carlisle and Barry Shafer (wife Cindy) of York, two sisters, Bette Martin (husband Joe) of Newville and Nancy Judd of Virginia, four grandchildren, Mackenzie Gidaro, Jackson Kuhn, Weston Kuhn and Finley Kuhn and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother Harold Shafer.

A visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1:30 p.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle.  The burial will be private.  Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to Bosler Free Library.  www.EwingBrothers.com.