Joseph Schaffer

SCHAFFER, Joseph L., beloved husband of Barbara A. Schaffer (nee Torbeck) for 53 years. Loving father of Janiene (Stephen) Baker, Joeliene (Mike) Magoto, Joseph P. (Amy), Jason (Sarah) Schaffer. Devoted grandfather of Theo, Bea, Henry, George Baker, Alice, Leo Magoto, Joey, Maggie, John, Carter and Maddox Schaffer. Dear brother of Joan (the late Jack) York, Jerry (Robin) Schaffer and the late Jean Hoelker and Judy Thomas. Brother in law of Bill Hoelker and Dave Thomas. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, September 25, 2017, at 79 years of age after a long battle with progressive aphasia.
Joe was born October 14, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Joe and Loretta Schaffer and grew up in Price Hill where he attended St. Teresa Catholic school and then on to Elder High School where he developed lifelong relationships with members of the graduating class of 1955 and the Elder Football team that went undefeated and untied. After Elder Joe was recruited to attend college and play football at the University of Tennessee where he played for four years and became captain of the football team in 1959. After graduation from the University of Tennessee, Joe was the first draft pick ever signed by the Buffalo Bills, the first AFL franchise in 1960 where he played for one year and then was drafted into the Army to serve in the Berlin crisis. After returning from Berlin he met and married the love of his life Barbara Ann Torbeck in 1965 and settled in White Oak. There Joe and his wife Barb raised four children, Janiene, Joeliene, Joe and Jason. Joe worked for his father in the family business, Joseph Schaffer Builders, for ten years. After that time Joe earned his real estate appraiser license and went to work for John L. York Appraisals. Joe started his own real estate appraisal firm, Schaffer Appraisal Company, where he worked tirelessly for 35 years. Joe was dedicated and passionate about his work but his true passion was his wife Barb, their four children and their eleven grand children: Theo, Alice, Bea, Joey, Leo, Henry, Maggie, Carter, John, George and Maddox. Joe's favorite time of year was Easter vacation with the entire family in Hilton Head, South Carolina where he took a break from work and loved to just be with his family, read a book, take a bike ride and be together on the beach.
Joe grew up in a musical family and they entertained for parties and fundraisers around the city of Cincinnati for years. Joe played the banjo, the trombone and frequently sang. His claim to fame was to take over the singing at every family wedding and where he sang his and everyone's "go to" favorite Joe Schaffer anthem, Rocky Top. Joe was never shy about picking up a microphone with a song and just making sure everyone else was having a good time. Upon retirement Joe loved spending time working in the yard, spending time with his wife Barb and the Elder gang playing golf and dinners every third Wednesday at Maury's Tiny Cove. Joe was active in the White Oak community and St. James parish where he coached and served two terms as President of Parish Council. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends and they will never forget that smile and his huge heart that was open to every person close to him as well as every stranger. His passion for life, passion for his wife, his family and his friends will live on forever.
Visitation on SUNDAY at MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 5864 Bridgetown Rd., from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial on MONDAY at St. James the Greater Church, 3565 Hubble Rd., at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 644 Linn Street, Suite 1026, Cincinnati, OH 45203, or to Elder High School Annual Fund, 3900 Vincent Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45205 or University of Tennessee Athletic Annual Gift Program, in Memory of Joe Schaffer, Tennessee Fund, PO BOX 15016, Knoxville, TN 37901, (865) 974-1218. www.bjmeyer.com