Harry J. Shaeffer, of Florida, formerly of Kittanning, died May 7, 2026.  He was born in Armstrong County to Michael R., Sr. and Ada (Householder) Shaeffer, and was twin brother to Michael R. Shaeffer, Jr.  He graduated from Ford City High School in 1971.  Upon graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  Returning from the Navy, he gained employment at the Mushroom Mines in Worthington.  He retired after 25 years of dedicated service.  His love of cooking instilled in him to opening his own restaurant and operated on Route 66 at Kiddieland, which was owned by his Aunt Pat Staley.  The restaurant was in the front and an ice cream stand was on the side.  Harry and his mother cooked their special recipes for the family.  They spent many an hour making hundred of batches of hardtack candy and chocolate candies from the time consuming molds, which turned into a side (profitable) business.  Homemade pies and cookies were made also.

 He was a very avid crafter and designer of many genres.  The holidays were his favorite pick of the year.  He loved music, parties, masquerades, birthdays and anything Americana.  He was a loving caregiver to his mom, Ada, first and then his dad, Mike Sr.  To the end of their lives he was the utmost model son that a mother and father could ask for.  In 2023, with his significant other and life partner, Ricky Straub, they sold the houses and moved to Florida, and now with his husband, whom he married Feb. 16, 2025, they were happy in love and life, and basking in the sunshine was another love, tanning his skin so bronze he glowed.  His laughter was infectious, so many belly laughs and tears running down our cheeks.  In Florida, Harry loved to play BINGO and share laughter with Ricky and all their new friends.  

He leaves behind to forever cherish his memory his husband, Ricky; friends, Jan, Eddie, Gene and cousin George and cousin Ada.  He left this world to be with his mom, Ada, dad Michael Sr., and sisters JoAnn and Myra Sue.

Private funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning and interment was in Mateer Cemetery.  He was buried with his beloved animals, Daisy and Misty.

One thing to remember, he was a very loving man and we were very blessed and honored to have known him.  Rest in peace dear friend...Psalm 91:4 "He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings...you will find refuge".