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

Born in Schuylkill Haven, on Oct. 23, 1931, he was a son of the late Samuel and Sadie (Wagner) Schaeffer.

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

Claude served in the 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 and the Rainbow Hose Company No. 1, Schuylkill Haven.

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 and Jerry Schaeffer; and sisters, Mary Ratigan, Doreen Schuler, Elaine Bose, Delphine Kriner, Joyce Herring, Pat Barnes, Audrey Gleim and Shirley Williams.

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

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Geschwindt-Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven, with Pastor Shawn VanDyke officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove. To extend online condolences, visit www.gsesfuneralhomes.com. Geschwindt-Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home Inc. and Riverfront Cremation Services LLC, both in Schuylkill Haven, have been entrusted with cremation memorial arrangements.

Published by Republican & Herald from Jul. 24 to Jul. 25, 2023.
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