Dear Pat and Family,
So sorry to hear of 'Uncle' Al's passing. Al was truly a  kind and caring soul who will be missed. Always one with a quick comeback,I will always remember his wit and humor,whether you wanted to hear it or not. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Take Care,
Eric and Kelsi Miles

My father was a man with a zest for life.  He lived each day to the fullest and got a big kick out of entertaining everyone with his impersonations and one liners.  He loved his children and grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments. He was known as Poppy to his Grandchildren, but my son Brian always saluted him as the Godfather and kissed his ring when he entered the room.  Obviously, though in jest, my Dad got a big kick out of playing Marlon Brando for Brian at that moment. While in West Virginia on Friday, I got the call from sister.  It is the call that you never want to get, especially on your birthday.  As I drove east, I remember thinking that my dad was going to die on my birthday.  I picked up my wife and son Brian in Carlisle and then made the trip to Lancaster General, the place of my birth.  I fully expected to spend a couple of hours looking at a man who was resting in the dreams of morphine that has been administered to him for the pain he was to experience.  After a while, and content with the realization that I had at least seen him alive, I whispered in his ear....."Dad, it is Bruce...I am here...Don't be afraid."  He immediately opened his eyes and began speak.  His words were muffled and obscured in respiratory congestion, but I listened closely and tried to understand but to no avail.  Suddenly, his words became clear and fairly crisp.  Brian saluted the Godfather, and everyone in the room gathered around as we swapped memories and my Dad "held court" like the Albert of old!  It was truly a miracle, and though he slipped back into sleep,I am thankful for that time we had together on Friday night. God loves us all, and men of all faiths are carried home to him to rest in his eternal dwelling place.  He gives us more than we deserve or even expect.  His love is not proud or conditional.  Knowing of him and his existence has been the result of an evolution of circumstances in my life that have been too perfectly designed to be coincidental. I am always surprised what he has in store
 On my 61st Birthday, he gave me a far greater Birthday Gift than I could have ever expected or hoped for....time with my father that I will always cherish  Goodbye Dad.  I love you/ Bruce

Dear Family,

We didn't know "Poppy" other than by the numerous stories that were related to us over the years and the occasional introductions at family functions; but, if the old saying is true that the acorn doesn't fall from the tree, then we really did know him by extension of knowing our brother-in-law, Bruce. We've got to believe that the kindness, quick wit, and love of family that Bruce constantly portrays were, in many ways, directly related to his father.  The stories certainly suggested that "poppy" was proud of his son as well as the rest of his children.  Our condolences to the family as we know he will be missed.

The Gregors

Condolences to all of the Shiffler family. Al was a person I only met a few times, but he seemed to really love life. I know you will miss him.

With sympathy,
Donna and Bill Whitesel (Judy Shiffler's sister and husband)

I said to Reverend Bruce Lefever that, I will risk sounding irreverent, but I have to tell you today's funeral/memorial service was the best I ever attended! My thanks especially goes out to my sister Cindy. Daddy's girl arranged a show that surely made my Dad beam with pride today.  She was there with him to the end, and she outdid herself with planning this event.  The house was packed to overflow, with hundreds of people. It was chance to talk with people I hadn't seen for years.  I will never forget the seemingly endless line of Amish people who lined up to greet us, and took time from their daily lives to arrange transportation to say goodbye to my father.  He was loved by so many.  Thanks to Nicole for delivering my thoughts.  My Aunt Gail recounted stories from Dad's youth that gave us all some much needed laughter.  Cindy addressed the crowd with class and composure. She was as comfortable up there today, as my Dad was at an"all you can eat buffet, with no tipping allowed!"  Tom, his drinking buddy(coffee, that is), recounted times of coffee and conversation in the afternoon, where he and my father would solve world issues, only to find out the next day that no one had taken their advice. My boys, Brooke and Bobby, brought on the tears with their duet of "How Great Thou art."  Pastor Lefever's comments were right on the mark, and reminded me of the promise of eternal life for all men. My father must have been surprised and honored by the Military men who marched forward and ceremoniously performed the rite of colors for my dad, a World War II veteran. When my sister was presented with the flag, and the thanks of my father's service to his country, I was at a loss for words.  The closing of "My Way", sung by old Blue Eyes was the icing on the cake.  I know my father looked on with celestial tears of gratitude.  Sinatra never sounded better.  My Dad never could have been remembered better.  My sister pulled it off exactly as the old man would have liked it.  Daddy's girl did him proud.

 Bruce

I realized in my account of Big Al's memorial service yesterday, I failed to mention the comments of Craig Hohman, my cousin.  No excuses... but I will  blame it on too much partying in the late 1960's and a few brain cells left behind.  Craig recounted the times that he and his mom and dad would visit our house, and it was frequently.  My Uncle Joe (always my favorite Uncle) would tap his fingers on our counter top to any Big Bands that my dad happened to have on the stereo.  He had been a big band drummer in the forties, and a good one. Craig was an excitable boy and loved going down in the basement to race the HO cars with Tony, or watch as my brothers dressed up as their favorite Lon Chaney characters.  When it was time to go, Uncle Joe would warm up the red Plymouth wagon for what seemed like hours, as he asked Lorraine if she was ready yet.  Another 20 minutes would pass, and Craig would dart up the steps, chased by my brother who had now turned in to the Creature from the Black Lagoon.  "He's going to get overheated!"...Uncle Joe would say to Lorraine, and she would comment that she was almost done with her coffee.  The Hohman family visits meant good times at Park Circle Drive, and my Dad loved those visits.  Thanks Craig for bringing back such great memories

Bruce

Al enjoyed life, but in his later years he could no longer go the places or do the things he once did.  Fortunately he had Cindy and Gary to take care of so much for him which relieved him of a lot of stress. I know this gave him many more years of life. He loved his family and friends. Al left us all with the gift of laughter and many,  many humorous memories that will stay with us for the rest of our years.  He'll be missed!   
Love,
Gail & Jen Smith &  Adam Schneider  

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