Rest in Peace - Deacon Harry Sheaffer
Published Jan 31, 2008Deacon Harry Sheaffer, 76, died Jan. 21 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Mary (nee Spadavecchio); five children: Donna Marie (Barry) Desmond, Joanne (Robert) Lees, James (Lamatra) Sheaffer, Robert (Linda) Sheaffer, John (Michele) Sheaffer; 14 grandchildren: Christina Lees, Jennifer Lees, T. J. Sheaffer, Cody Sheaffer, Nicole Desmond, Zachary Desmond, Christopher Desmond, Nancy Desmond, Sarah Sheaffer, Amanda Sheaffer, Olivia Sheaffer April Sheaffer, Ashley Sheaffer, and Autumn Sheaffer; and two great-grandchildren: Jack Desmond and CJ Desmond. Deacon Sheaffer is also survived by a sister, Betty (Robert) Rauch. His father Vern and mother Clara preceded him in death.
Deacon Sheaffer was ordained in 1997 and was assigned to St. Mary Parish in West Chicago, where he was a parishioner for many years. He was involved in many parish ministries; however, he enjoyed ministering to the sick, and homebound. He had a particular fondness for hospital ministry. Deacon Sheaffer was a U. S. Marine Corp Korean War veteran, an Eagle Scout and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.
Deacon Joe Dalpiaz, director of the Diaconate Office said of Deacon Sheaffer “When I think of Deacon Harry Sheaffer the word ‘strength’ comes to mind. Harry was strong of heart, strong in his Catholic faith, strong in his diaconal service and strong in his love for his family and the church.”
Father Bill Conway, his pastor, said: “Deacon Sheaffer was very loyal, dedicated and committed to the parish of St. Mary, his friends and family. In spite of his illness and pain, Harry was always faithful and diligent in his service to his parish community, friends and family. The biggest cross that he carried was when he was no longer able to minister to the community of St. Mary’s. He will truly be missed.”
Deacon George Valdez, a classmate of Deacon Sheaffer, said of him, “Harry was a classmate, brother deacon, co-worker and friend. I will miss his presence but he will always be in my heart.”
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Calendar of Events
Today is Jul 25, 2008St. Raphael Parish
St. Raphael Parish in Naperville plans to sponsor a Christian beginnings workshop from 9:15-11:15 a.m. May 19-30 (no class May 26). The cost is $150 per person, which includes materials. For more information 630-355-4545 ext. 112.St. Raphael Parish
St. Raphael Parish in Naperville plans to hold "Matthew: A Gospel for Times of Transition," a one-day retreat, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 31. The cost is $25 per person. For more information 630-355-4545 ext. 112.St. Jude Parish
St. Jude Parish in Joliet plans to hold vacation Bible school June 16-20. Registration is scheduled May 17-June 2. For more information 815-725-2209.The St. Ambrose Home School Association
The St. Ambrose Home School Association plans to co-sponsor a musical performance at 6:30 p.m. June 7 and at 3 p.m. June 8 in the Moser Performing Arts Center Auditorium at University of St. Francis in Joliet. For complete details 708-557-7070.St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naperville plans to host "EcoMission: Growing Our Souls and Saving Our Planet" May 31-June 12. Complete details, including a schedule of topics, are available at www.stapostle.org.St. Jude Parish
St. Jude Parish in Joliet plans to hold vacation Bible school June 16-20. Registration is scheduled May 17-June 2. For more information 815-725-2209.SS. Peter and Paul Parish
SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville is offering the Tridentine Mass. The Latin Mass is celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Sundays. For more information 630-718-2114.Immaculate Conception High School
The class of 1958 of Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst plans to hold its 50-year class reunion Oct. 3-4 at the Wyndham Drake Oakbrook Hotel. For details or to help locate alumni 630-833-2939.Mary Queen of Heaven Parish
Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Elmhurst plans to continue its Women in the Church/Women in the Bible speaker series.The schedule is as follows:
Franciscan Father Benet Fonck, a renowned presenter, is slated to speak at noon Aug. 10 about St. Clare.
Dominican Sister Barbara Reid, a prominent biblical scholar, is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 about women of the New Testament.
Mary Foley, pastoral life coordinator at the Elmhurst parish, is planned to speak at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 about "Women in Ecclesial Ministry Today."
For complete details 630-279-5700.
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