CLAYTON, NY — Franklin R. Shaffrey, 85, Clayton, NY, died January 19, 2019, at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.
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.
He married Patricia I. Combs on June 30, 1953, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lowville. She died June 5, 2014. Patricia worked for a time at Guardino Elementary School as a hall moitor.
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.
Arrangements are with the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
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.
Condolences can be made at trjetty.com
