Ivan Richard Schaffner, Sr.

Ivan Richard Schaffner Senior, died peacefully, and returned to his Heavenly Home, on Sat. May 1st, soon after listening to words of love, gratitude and farewells, from many members of his loving family. Ivan was born, in his parent's home, on Center Avenue, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, on January 15th, 1935, to Charles and Gussie Schaffner. His childhood was filled with weekend trips to his grandparents farm, which was close by to his home, and helping to care for his own family's vegetable gardens, flowers, and chickens. At a young age, Ivan learned to play the Slide Trombone, and later became quite accomplished in his efforts. As a teenager, he played his trombone, side by side his Father, Charles, in a local Dance band, and cherished those memories throughout his whole lifetime. Later his talent led him to play for The United States Marine Corps band, and their Drum and Bugle Corps, The Washington Redskins Marching Band, and many different town bands, in all of the places he lived, throughout his life. The handsome young Marine, married Ruth Palsgrove on July 4th, 1957, and the two were happily married for 59 years, until Ruth's passing in 2016. Ivan loved the outdoors, and enjoyed working outside for most of his life. He spent the majority of his working years, as a lineman, for "PEPCO" (Potomac Electric Power Company),in Maryland, for Central Vermont Public Service ("CVPS-now known as Green Mountain Power), in Ascutney and Woodstock Vermont, and his own company, which he built from the ground up, Utility Construction Corporation (out of Woodstock VT). After closing his business, Ivan dabbled in selling Real Estate for a short time, and also enjoyed working at Sears and Robucks selling Appliances, before his retirement. After retiring, Ivan took his wife and their old Yellow Lab on many camping adventures all over the Country. In his spare time, Ivan could be found playing his trombone and marching with a band, or playing in concerts in parks, fishing, swimming, waterskiing or boating, and in the winter snowmobiling, sledding with his family, and going for walks and hiking in the snow. Spending time with his family, is what Ivan cherished the most, and he was a dedicated husband, Father and Grandfather. The many years of Summer Vacations on Lakes throughout Vermont and New Hampshire are memories his family will cherish, for the rest of their lives. Ivan also loved his many friends of the canine variety over the years, too many to name. Ivan is predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth P. Schaffner, his parents Charles and Gussie Schaffner, his siblings Mary Ella (and Roy) Ebling, and Earl (and Katherine) Schaffner, and his son, Ivan Richard Schaffner Jr., and his best long time friend Bill Ryker. He is survived by his son Jeff Schaffner (Tamra) of Sharon, VT, his daughter Merry Ann Gilbert (David) of Milton, VT, his daughter in law Elaine Schaffner of Goffstown NH, his Grandchildren Daniel Gilbert, Brian Gilbert, Alyson Rochefort (Steven), Benjamin Gilbert (Geoff), Zachary Schaffner (Zephyr), Sadie Schaffner, and Jacob Schaffner, and by his Great Grandchildren Emma Gilbert, Colby, Payton and Tyler Rochefort. The family will be holding a small and intimate celebration of his life. Ivan will be buried at the Veterans Cemetery in Randolph, Vermont.