Obituaries

Miles J. Shaeffer, 50

February 01, 2017

Miles J. Shaeffer, 50, of Lancaster, PA, passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2017, at his home.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Lynwood W. and Doris J. (Firestone) Shaeffer and was also preceded in death by his nephew, Shawn Keller.

A 1984 graduate of Manheim Township High School, Miles was a pitcher for the Blue Streaks baseball team. In addition, he was a participating member of the marching band for 4 years and was selected as Drum Major his senior year. Music was a tremendous part of Miles’s life. He was an accomplished and amazing drummer, having started taking lessons at the age of 8.

He graduated from DeVry University, where he studied Computer Information Systems. In 1988, Miles, again, pursued his passion of music and joined the MTHS band staff as Percussion Music & Marching Instructor, where he contributed 24 years of service to the program, as well as many band competition championships.

He was employed by The Restaurant Store, Wyomissing, PA, as a Sales Leader, where he enjoyed working with his colleagues and assisting customers.

He was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and an avid and creative cook. He was known for always having a smile and a great sense of humor. He lived by the motto, Live Well, Laugh Often and Love Much!

Miles is survived by his children, Jared T. Shaeffer, of Lancaster, Nathan L. Vonderheide, of Lancaster and Heather R. Shaeffer, of Ephrata, PA, two grandchildren, Emberly and Tre, and his former wife, Molly Shaeffer, of Lancaster. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Brian Shaeffer, husband of Sandy, of Lancaster; sisters, Sharon Shaeffer, of Lancaster, Wanda Bomberger, wife of Robert Bomberger, of Reinholds, and Twila Dowling, of Basking Ridge, NJ. He is also survived by nephews, Justin Keller, Ephrata, PA, Blake Bomberger, Jessup, MD, Scott Savarese, Union, NJ, Christopher Savarese, Morristown, NJ, Alexander and Austin Shaeffer of Lancaster, as well as nieces, Rachael Carucci, Toms River, NJ and Gretchen Bomberger, Middletown, PA

Along with his immediate and extended family and caring friends, Miles will be greatly missed!

A viewing will be held from 4PM-8PM on Monday, February 6th at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike. A second viewing will be held from 10-10:45AM, followed by the Funeral Service at 11AM at Church of the Apostles U.C.C. 1850 Marietta Ave. Lancaster, PA on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 with The Rev. Kathryn L. Kuhn officiating. Interment will be in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions to defray the funeral costs may be made out too and sent to the Charles F Snyder Jr funeral Home &Crematory 3110 Lititz Pk Lititz Pa 17543.

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Condolences to the Family

February 07, 2017

 
To the Shaeffer Family:  I was so saddened to hear of Miles’ passing.  I have many fond memories of growing up together in Grandview Heights.  We had many fun “boys vs girls battles” as children sneaking up through neighbors’ yards and surprising each other with anything from water balloons to snowballs!  He was also quite the daredevil when he and Rob would climb the very large spruce tree in our back yard (made me nervous!).  It was all great fun.
 
As adults, we would laugh and reminisce about the carefree days of childhood.  His pride and love for his family always came through in our conversations.  He had a true love of life and family.  That is a great loss to all he touched.
 
Molly, I am so sorry that your children have lost such a great father too soon.                                                                                                      
 
Please accept my condolences during this difficult time.
 
Sincerely,
 
Tracy (Mundorf) Dubensky
 

February 07, 2017

Miles you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was shocked as I just learned of your passing today. May you be met at the gates of heaven. I will never forget the fun memories we had at Joyce Kilmer Apts listening to Bon Jovi and dancing up a storm with our usual crows. I have never forgotten your lovely wedding either. It was my first and only barn wedding it was a blast. Sending big hugs, loving light and peace to your loved ones. Always, Roma Raghavendra and family

February 07, 2017

I’m shocked and saddened to see this news. As a member of the MT Marching Band as both student and volunteer staff I was privileged to know Miles in various respects. He was always welcoming and brought humor to everyone around him. The MTMB and the world has lost a wonderful person. 

February 07, 2017

To the family of Miles: I am so very sorry for the loss of a dear friend and beloved father. I knew Miles and Molly when they worshiped at Highland Presbyterian Church, and where I was a secretary. I got to know them very well, and loved them very much. The kids were joys. I still remember our conversations on many things and our unspoken love for each other. Now, we will look forward to seeing Miles again in the Church Triumphant, and will take up our conversation as if it were only yesterday. My love to all of you who are so sad. His years here all meant something and were not without purpose.  Love you, Judie Bistline, Tim Bistline, Rev. Robert Bistline

February 06, 2017

I am so sorry that Miles is gone. He always had a smile and a warm welcome. He will be much missed

February 06, 2017

Deepest Sympathy to your friends and family.  Rest in Peace Miles, you will be missed.  
Kathy Brandt

February 06, 2017

So very sorry for your loss my prayers and condolences to the entire family, I loved Miles dearly he will always have a place in my heart .

February 06, 2017

Miles was a friend to all.  He always had a smile on his face and a kind word, along with a great sense of humor.  I won’t forget how he made a hard time at Twp seem so much easier when he was around.  He will be missed.
 

February 06, 2017

RIP Miles i will miss you. You were  truly beautifil person
 
Sharon Kapes

February 05, 2017

Oh Miles,  I sure will miss you.  Condolences to family.
Kathy Caldwell-Harris

February 05, 2017

To the Miles Shaeffer family
Don and I are so  sorry for your loss.  I am so glad that I got to be Facebook friends with Miles this last year.  Pop, my dad, always talked about Miles and the drums.  I know you will miss him dearly.  All of you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Daphne and Don Treat

February 05, 2017

Miles was an amazing teacher and will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss Jessica Newborg MTMB class of 2001

February 05, 2017

Miles was an amazing man and teacher and he will be missed.  He was always a friendly, patient presence at MTMB practices, competitions, band camps, parades, etc, etc!!  So very sorry for the loss of this great guy.  Erin Rush (MTMB ’91-’93).

February 05, 2017

Our deepest condolences to the Shaeffer family.  I’ll always remember Mikes as a great competitor both as a pitcher and IFer.  He was a great player to coach.  We will all miss him.  Please know our thoughts are with you.
Skip Walters
MTHS Baseball Head Coach 1979-1986 

February 05, 2017

I have so many wonderful memories of Miles.  High school was often a real challenge for me, but Miles was among the most influential in bringing me joy and true friendship at a time I absolutely needed it!  My family and I will keep Miles and his entire family in our prayers.  I have no doubt that he is home with God now.  
Deacon Peter Schutzler & Family

February 05, 2017

There are not enough words to describe the tremendous sense of sorrow that we feel with Miles’ unfortunate passing. He was our school student, a student leader, a role model, a teacher, and most importantly, our good friend. His passionate dedication to doing things the right way in all of his pursuits and endeavors, and his unwavering loyalty to his family and friends, will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. We would like to extend our very sincere condolences to the entire Shaeffer family. Ken & Linda Husler, Lancaster PA.
 

Visitation
Monday, February 06, 2017
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Visitation
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Church of the Apostles U.C.C.
1850 Marietta Ave.
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
11:00 AM
Church of the Apostles U.C.C.
1850 Marietta Ave.
Lancaster, PA
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