Franklin R. Shaffrey, age 85, of Clayton, NY, died January 19, 2019, at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.
He was born in Lowville, NY, the son of Royce E. and Alene E. (Woolaver) Shaffrey. He graduated from Lowville Free Academy in 1951. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956 as a control tower operator, serving primarily in New Mexico.
From 1956 to 1965 he was employed with Eastern and Mohawk airlines at Watertown International Airport. In 1965 he joined U.S. Customs, and was assigned at Rouses Point, NY, and Alexandria Bay, NY, Ports of Entry, retiring in 1993.
On June 30, 1953, he married Patricia I. Combs at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lowville. She died June 5, 2014. Patricia worked for a time at Guardino Elementary as a hall monitor.
Frank was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Clayton, NY. He enjoyed cutting firewood, woodworking projects, and time with family.
He is survived by two daughters, Linda (Roland) Slone, Clarksville, TN, and Janna (Robert Cooke), Watertown; grandchildren, Adam Wiggins, Cape Vincent, and Lydia (Adam) VanNatta, VA., and great-grandson Michael VanNatta, three brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, Michael, in 1984 at age 14, two sisters, Geraldine Stansbury and Marion Yandeau, his parents and his wife.
A graveside committal service will be scheduled in spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Foundation (Samaritan Medical Center), 830 Washington St. Watertown, NY, 13601 (or samaritanhealth.com/give-online), or Christ Episcopal Church, 235 John St., Clayton, NY, 13624.
Renee Reff Miranda
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Renee. – Janna
Linda Slone
Thank you.
Alice and George Barton
George and I are truly sorry for the loss of your father. We were great friends and neighbors and enjoyed you parents and will miss them a great deal. May they Rest In Peace. George and Alice Barton
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you for being such a good friend to him.
Linda Slone
Thank you, George and Alice. He enjoyed having you as neighbors as well.
Duane Hazelton
Frank was a fine gentleman, sorry to see him leave us.
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Duane.
Linda Slone
Thank you.
William R Breitenbuecher
We are sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was a kind and wise gentleman. Our thoughts are with you, his family.
Bill Breitenbuecher and Mike Gardner
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Bill and Mike.
Linda Slone
Thank you, Bill and Mike.
Ann Marie Scisci
Linda & Janna,
I am so sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. Your parents were very special people. You may not remember but when you lived in Watertown on the corner of Superior & Cayuga, I would sometimes watch you when your parents went out. Keep your memories close to your heart.
Ann Marie (Pepe) Scisci
Janna Shaffrey
I certainly do remember you Ann Marie! Thank you so much for your kind words. So many great memories. – Janna
Linda Slone
Anne Marie, Yes – we could never forget you and your family! Mom and Dad often talked about our good times on Cayuga Avenue, including all of the Pepe family. Thank you for your condolences. – Linda
Robin Curtis
Janna & family:
Sincerest sympathies to you during this
time of deep sadness. May God give you
peace and strength in your mind and heart.
Janna Shaffrey
Thanks so much, Robin.
Linda Slone
Thank you.
Julie Knapp
I was very thankful to have met him I was a young Officer. So sorry for your losd and God Bless You All.
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Julie.
Linda Slone
Thank you.
Diane Reff Morinigo
Thinking of you and Linda at this difficult time. The memories keep you going but the missing them never leaves you. If you need anything call.
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Diane.
Linda Slone
Thank you, Diane.
Jim Rhinebeck
Frank was a mentor to me when I worked as a summer US Customs inspector at T I bridge border crossing. He was a good friend and will be missed. To Linda and Janna I sorry for your loss. Jim Rhinebeck Charleston SC
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you so much, Mr. Rhinebeck. – Janna
Linda Slone
Thank you, Mr. Rhinebeck.
Jack Combs, MSgt (R) USAF
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Aunt Gerre and I always cherished Pat and Frank, not only as kin, but for occupying special special places in our hearts especially thru the loss of our
sons. God grant you all peace and comfort in this traumatic time.
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Uncle Jack.
Robert D Allen
Janna, Bob and family,
So very sorry to learn of your beloved father’s passing. May perpetual light shine upon him always. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Bob & Martha Allen
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Bob and Martha.
Linda Slone
Thank you.
Tony Folino
Sorry to hear of Frank’s death. Worked with him at Customs A-Bay. Never knew anyone who didn’t like Frank. He is and will be missed by all.
Linda Slone
Thank you, Mr. Folino. He enjoyed your friendship.
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Mr. Folino.
Gawaine Ward - A N Deringer Inc
Sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. I worked with Frank as a Custom’s broker, coming into the business in 1973, young and trying to learn the trade.. Frank was one of my “go to” inspectors and supervisors for help, who always took the time to assist with the day to day work challenges. If one’s legacy is based on how he treated people…Frank is certainly near the top of the list.. I’ll always be grateful for that …
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you for your kind words.
Linda Slone
Such kind words are appreciated – thank you very much.
Jonathan Wingerath
I am saddened by the news of Frank’s passing, and wish to extend my condolences to his family. Frank was a wonderful neighbor and friend whom I will miss. Frank never hesitated to lend his hand and advice when it came to helping me manage my home and property. He was a smart, thoughtful, and generous man I can thank for positively affecting my life following the deaths of my parents.
Janna Shaffrey
Thanks so much, Jonathan. He (they) felt the same about you and your family.
Linda Slone
Jonathan, Dad was happy to help you any way he could. He looked forward to your visits home and popped over for a conversation on the front porch. Thank you for being a good friend to him.
Georgeen M Clarke
Sincere condolence hugs to Linda, Janna & families …
Janna Shaffrey
Thank you, Georgeen.