Melvin “Bud” Joseph Shaffer, Jr., age 85, of Newark, DE passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. He was born on May 17, 1939, in Perth Amboy, NJ. Melvin was the son of the late Melvin Joseph Shaffer, Sr., and Eleanor Petrick.

Bud was a proud United States Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam War.  After his military service, Bud dedicated himself to a career as a mechanic for the automobile industry. His love for working on cars was not just a profession but a true passion. Bud built his own car, painted them with care, and had a knack for taking them apart and putting them back together. He enjoyed racing cars, watching Western movies, especially classics like Gun Smoke, or any films featuring John Wayne. Bud found joy in his love for golfing, fishing, and being a loyal Steelers and Phillies fan. He will be remembered most for his unwavering love for his family and friends, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bud is survived by his son, Jeffrey Shaffer and girlfriend, Danielle; daughter, Donna Avallone; grandchild, Jade Avallone; sisters: Ruth Lang, and Sharon DiStefano.

In addition to his parents, Bud is preceded in death by his wife, Susan P. Shaffer; brother, Ronald Shaffer; sisters: Rita Babe, and Patricia Landis.

A celebration of Bud’s life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 1:00 PM at R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE, 19711, where family and friends may begin visiting at 12:00 PM. Burial will take place on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “St. Jude Children’s Hospital” and sent in care of funeral home.