Jack Schaffner

Jack L. Schaffner, age 89, of Sarasota FL, formerly of Erie and Chicago, died on Sunday April 6, 2014 at Glenridge Carroll Center in Sarasota, FL. He was born in Erie, PA on July 15, 1924, a son of the late Henry and Matilde Schaffner.

Jack graduated from Strong Vincent High School and attended Ohio State University until he was called to duty in the Army Air Force during WWII. Having worked at the family business, Schaffner Brothers Meat Packing, he began his career as a beef broker upon his return from the military. He had a very successful career, being a national authority in the meat industry, serving on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat Price Task Force. Jack was also very active in the Red Cross and Erie Rotary.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife Elinor Freedman Schaffner; his sisters Jane and Betty; and his son-in-law Tom Dixon.

He is survived by his four children: Jon (Sarah) Schaffner, of Rochester Hills, MI; Robert (Carol) Schaffner, of Mundelein, IL, Linda Dixon, of Huntington Beach, CA, and Nancy (Stephen) Giese, of Minneapolis, MN. He is further survived by nine grandchildren: Anna, Molly and Laura Schaffner of Chicago; Drew Schaffner of Chicago; Stephanie, Courtney, Jack Giese of Minneapolis; and Paul Dixon and Jennifer Robertson of Huntington Beach, CA; and five great grandchildren: Cole, Toby and Hope Roberston; and Dimitri and Mason Dixon.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Friday April 11th at 2pm at Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements by Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th St (at Powell Ave.)