Michael Rodney Shaeffer Sr.

Michael Rodney Shaeffer Sr., age 94, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021.  He was born March 6, 1927 in Kittanning, Pa, Armstrong County, the son of John E. and Anna (Barborak) Shaeffer.  His mother was born in Austria, July 19, 1903 and came to America with her parents, Adam and Anna (Krha) Barborak, at a very early age and settled in Cicero, Illinois.  They later moved and settled permanently in Armstrong Co., and lived his entire life there. 

John and Anna met one day and married the next.  They had 4 children: 2 sons, John Earl and Michael Rodney and 2 daughters, Sara Ann and Carolyn Louise (both stillborn). 

Michael joined the Merchant Marines right out of graduating from Kittanning Sr. High School in 1944 and then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945.  He was a WWII veteran.  During his Navel service he participated in “Operation Crossroads”.  He tested the effect of the Atomic bomb on Navel vessels at Bikini Atoll.  He served aboard the USS Chickasaw (ATF-83) for 2 years and saw first hand the plume of Hiroshima.  After his discharge in 1947, he returned to work at Elger Pottery, in Ford City, Pa, for 42 years.

Michael met the Love of his Life at first sight.  Ada Blanche Householder was working at a candy store making chocolate in downtown Kittanning.  They were married on October 22, 1948, and were married for 69 ½ years.  It was a true Love Story!  They settled in Edgewood, where Michael built their home by hand, living in the basement until it was finished.  They lived their until losing their home to the Allegheny Expressway, then moving R.D. #1 in Kittanning where they lived the rest of his life. 

He played baseball in the Edgewood League with close friend, William “Billy” Bure.  Michael was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was a “jack of all trades”: a carpenter, plumber, electrician, and builder. 

While living in Edgewood, they raised 4 children: 2 girls, Joann and Myra Sue, and a set of twin boys, Harry John and Michael Rodney Jr. 

Mike and Ada both bowled on the Saturday Night Mixed Doubles for 35 years.  Ada also bowled on Monday nights. 

He was preceded in death by his father, John E. and mother, Anna (Barborak); 2 stillborn sisters, Sara Ann and  Carolyn Louise; wife, Ada Blanche (Householder) Shaeffer; daughters, Joann and Myra (Sue Shaeffer) Altmeyer; and 1 brother, John E.

Michael is survived by 2 sons, Harry John (Rick) and Michael Rodney Jr. (Brenda); 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Michael lived a full life, where he died at home.  He was a respected man in the community all his life and was loved by all.  He laughed a lot, and the reason why is because he was a HAPPY MAN.  Just as his caregiver son (Harry) did for his dad, as well as both sisters, and his mother, Ada.  Unconditional loved was shared to the end. 

There will be no visitation or service at the request of Michael Sr.  Please send all condolences to the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home, 200 S. Mckean St., Kittanning, Pa 16201, which is entrusted with the arrangements.  Following cremation, interment will be at Mateer Cemetery.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to Three Rivers Hospice.  

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