Age 62, Luray, Va.
Bernd Helmut Schaffler, 62, of Luray passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
He was born on April 14, 1962, in Hagerstown, MD and was the son of Rita Magdalena Lohbauer Schaffler and the late Helmut Michael Schaffler.
Bernie grew up in Madison, NJ and later York, PA. As a Boy Scout, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Dallastown High School in 1980 and Penn State University in 1985. Upon graduation, he worked in the energy industry and most recently retired from Advanced Energy Experts, a company where he was a founding partner.
In 1988, Bernie met the love of his life, Robin Leigh Spitzer, playing various sports in the Fairfax County recreational co-ed adult league. On September 8, 1990, Bernie and Robin married on the banks of the Potomac River. They lived in Northern Virginia where they had their beloved son, Scott Mason Schaffler, in November 1997.
Bernie was an avid fisherman and golfer, and he loved all sports, especially baseball and football. He was a passionate Penn State football fan and enjoyed following the Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. He and Robin partnered with life-long friends Scott and Jamye Newell as co-owners of the Haymarket Senators of the Valley Baseball League for many years. Bernie loved supporting and rooting for Scott’s various sports teams, and spending time with Scott and his girlfriend Makenzie Carlin. Most recently, Bernie and Robin, along with their beloved dog, Peanut, moved to Luray, VA where he watched eagles fly and fish jump.
Over the years, he loved spending holidays in his beloved cabin in Luray and also with his sister and family.
Bernie is survived by his wife and son; mother Rita; sister Birgitt S. Wirth and her husband, Larry Wirth, and their children, Quinn and Cole of Wallingford, PA; mother-in-law Della Spitzer; and sister-in laws Chris Bourg (Diane) and Linda Neely (Ken) and their children, along with many friends.
He will be in our hearts forever and missed always.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, March 15, at the Mimslyn Inn in Luray, VA from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Some of his favorites included the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, Live Like Lou and CREW (Community Resources for Education and Wellness – crewva.org).
We welcome you to send any photos you wish to share of Bernie with the family by emailing makenzie.carlin@gmail.com.
We hope you will join us on March 15 and look forward to hearing your stories and memories of Bernie.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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