George H. Schaffer

George H. Schaffer, 92, of Aurora, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Auburn Memorial Hospital, Auburn, New York.

Born in Cobleskill, New York, George was the first of four children born to the late Howard and Helen (Whiteman) Schaffer on January 26th, 1932.

George graduated from Cobleskill Central School in June of 1950. He continued his education at Albany State Teachers College beginning that fall. When many of his friends left to serve in the Korean War, George felt compelled to follow. He enlisted in the United States Army in the fall of 1953 and served for three years. In 1956, he returned to Albany State following his military discharge to complete his studies in Secondary Science Education, ultimately obtaining both his BA and MA. He was always proud of his service to his country. 

George’s experience in the United States Army as an instructor in the Southeastern Signal School at Camp Gordon, GA played a formative roll in his future career as an educator. He was an instructor in Teletypewriter Equipment Maintenance to U.S. and allied military personnel of all ranks. At the time, the teletypewriter was the vital means of communicating in the mountainous terrain of Korea. He felt their work saved many lives. George received a National Defense Service Award for his efforts.

He married the former Ellen Dutcher of Delanson, NY on August 7, 1954. They would have been married 70 years in August 2024.

His teaching career as a high school science teacher began at the Chazy Central Rural School in northern New York State. Moving to central New York, he taught all the high school sciences at Sherwood Central School and the new Southern Cayuga Central School District (SCCS).

Ultimately, he served as the High School Principal at SCCS (Southern Cayuga) for about 20 years before retiring. Most rewarding for George at SCCS, was to work with educators and staff who strived to provide students with quality education in a building that was designed to promote their future success. He was always proud of SCCS Students, Faculty and Staff. George maintained his connection with the students in his retirement while working for the Wells College Transportation Department.

George is survived by his wife, Ellen and two daughters, Robin (Gene) Pezdek of Wynantskill, N.Y. and Candice (Lee) Dorobiala of Chelmsford, MA. He was the grandfather of three grandsons, Stephan (Jackie) Pezdek. Jamison (Lindsay) Pezdek and Connor Dorobiala. 

He was the great-grandfather of Poppy and Harlow Pezdek. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by all his siblings: Flora Jean Decker, Floyd Schaffer, and Martha Jane Truax. He also lost an infant grandson, Michael Daniel Pezdek.

George and Ellen have been residents of Aurora for over 63 years. They have also enjoyed summers at their cottage at Farley’s Point on Cayuga Lake for more than 40 years. George was a former member of the Scipio Lodge and the Aurora Rotary Club. He has been a member of the United Ministry of Aurora for the past sixty plus years. George's family invites you to the Celebration of his Life which will be held at the Church of the United Ministry on Saturday, April 27th at 2 PM.

George's family would like to thank the Auburn Dialysis Center for their professional and kind care of George for the past 2 1/2 years. In addition, we are appreciative of the kindness and care George received from the staff at the Center for Living in Auburn the past month.

In lieu of flowers in memory of George, we suggest donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 32852 or to the Southern Cayuga Scholarship Fund at Central N.Y. Community Foundation, 431 East Fayette St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13202.

George Schaffer Pictures:

https://1drv.ms/a/s!AuQlS_raLTpXh9V0mpj9MXXU3NaNdw?e=1vdkHu

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George H. Schaffer, please visit our floral store.