Claude J. "Firp" Schaeffer

Claude J. "Firp" Schaeffer, 91, of Pine Grove, passed away Saturday, July 22nd, at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon. 

Born in Schuylkill Haven on October 23, 1931, he was a son of the late Sameul & Sadie (Wagner) Schaeffer.

He is the widower of the late Catherine M. (Thompson) Schaeffer.

Claude served in the U.S. Navy, and had been formerly employed by Lehigh Valley Dairy.

He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post #38, & the Rainbow Hose Co. No. 1, Schuylkill Haven. 

Claude is also survived by daughters: Donna Searle-Rittle, wife of  Edward Rittle, Sr., Lebanon, & Robin, wife of Scot Gurski, Pine Grove, & sons: Mark Searle, Tremont, & Glen, & David Searle, both of Pine Grove. He is also survived by grandchildren: Jay, Heather, Ryan, & Kimberly Searle, Justine Wagner, Nichole Wolfe, & Catherine Gurski, & several great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Claude is also preceded in death by son, Richard Searle, granddaughter, Alicia Marie Gurski, brothers: Glen, Bob, Dick, Dale, Bruce, & Jerry Schaeffer, and sisters: Mary Ratigan, Doreen Schuler, Elaine Bose, Delphine Kriner, Joyce Herring, Pat Barnes, Audrey Gleim, & Shirley Williams.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held  Wednesday at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, at 11 AM with Pastor Shawn VanDyke officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service.  

Interment will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.

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