Gary Alan Shaffer

Funeral visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Farley Funeral Homes in Venice for Gary Alan Shaffer, age 76, who passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. in Venice Gardens Cemetery.

Gary was born on December 11, 1950, in Mansfield, Ohio, and was a longtime resident of Venice, Florida. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning a distinguished career with Sarasota County, where he retired as Chief Operator of the Water Treatment Plant after more than twenty years of dedicated service.

Gary was a man of quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and selfless generosity. He had a lifelong love for watercraft and found great joy being on the water whenever he could. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted caregiver who faithfully cared for those he loved, always placing the needs of his family before his own. His greatest pride was his family, and he treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gary was grateful for the special friendship he shared with Sharon Gilman during his later years.

Survivors include one daughter, Tara Shaffer Baudoin (Damon); one son, Ryan Shaffer (Melissa); six grandchildren, Joshua Baudoin (Katelyn), Brooke Chiasson (Jayce), Katelyn Shaffer, Dillon Shaffer, Rylee Shaffer, and Rikel Shaffer; two great-grandchildren, Remi Jackson and Celeste Perez; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-five years, Kathy Sue Shaffer; his father, Charles Ervin Shaffer; his mother, Mary Lou Hawkins Shaffer; one brother, Keith Shaffer; and one sister, Ruth Ann Shaffer.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday at Farley Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Shaffer, Damon Baudoin, Joshua Baudoin, Dillon Shaffer, Jayce Chiasson, and Ricky Garavalia.