Richard Shaffer

Richard “Rick” T. Shaffer, born June 29, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home in Beaufort, South Carolina, on Sunday, June 28, 2026—one day shy of his 79th birthday—surrounded by his three loving sons.

Rick was the eldest son of the late Richard Shaffer and the late Dawn Haney Shaffer. He is also predeceased by his beloved wife, Robin Ruehl Shaffer, and by his youngest sister, Dawn. He is survived by his sisters Scotty, Laurie, and Dana; his brother Mark; his three sons, Richard Todd Shaffer and his wife Susan, Jason R. Shaffer and his wife Pia, and Kyle M. Shaffer and his wife Chrissy; his grandchildren Annabella Shaffer, Austin Shaffer, and Rowan Shaffer; and his step‑grandchildren Lilly Seward and Jack Seward.

Rick was a strong, hardworking man with an extraordinary work ethic. He rose through the ranks of the steel industry before deciding to build something of his own, launching a steel distribution business from his son’s bedroom. Together with Robin, his wife and life partner, he founded Expert Metals, which grew into a thriving company that continues to succeed under the leadership of their youngest son, Kyle.

Rick loved sports and family above all else. From his early days playing baseball in Fairless Hills, PA, to coaching his boys, to the daily conversations in recent years that often began with the Phillies, the Eagles, or the New York Rangers, he cherished every moment spent talking with his sons and traveling to see his grandchildren.

Rick and Robin shared a deep passion for the arts, supporting the Riverside Symphonia in Bucks County for many years. They also shared a love of gardening, landscaping, and cooking meals for friends, neighbors, and family in their home.

For more than twenty years, after moving to South Carolina, Rick made his home on Lucy Creek, where he fostered and surrounded himself with a community that became family. The friendships he built there enriched his life deeply, offering connection, support, and joy throughout his later years.

Rick’s devotion to family was an example for all to follow. During his final weeks, as his battle with cancer came to an end, he brought his three sons together one last time to be with him and care for him. He fought with courage and determination, never giving up until the very end. He passed peacefully beside his sons and is now reunited with Robin—his high school sweetheart, partner in life, and partner in the afterlife.

He is, and always will be, loved and missed by his family and all who knew him. Rick leaves a lasting legacy within the Shaffer family, one that will continue forward in his memory. May he rest in peace and watch over us from heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to:
St. Jude Hospital – www.stjude.org
Scholarship America - https://scholarshipamerica.org/

Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.