Paul J. Shaffer

June 29, 1952 - February 13, 2022

Paul J. Shaffer, age 69, spouse of Brian W. Ayres, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022 in the Phoenixville Hospital. Born on June 29, 1952 in Drexel Hill, PA, he was a son of the late Calvin L. and Anne T. (Dever) Shaffer. Paul spent most of his childhood in Green Bay, WI during his father's management career, finally landing in Gibbsboro, NJ. He was a 1970 graduate of Eastern Regional High School, and furthered his education through studying drafting, architectural design and chronograph watch repair. Paul met Brian Ayres at Ursinus University in 1974, and the two reconnected in Philadelphia in 1980. The two pursued many opportunities in Ocean City, NJ, Shenandoah, PA, Ridgewood, NJ, and Riverhead, NY before finally settling in Phoenixville, PA. They made many various friends along the way. In 1992, they purchased their Main Street Victorian home, Boxholly Cottage. With the craftsmanship of Jerry Davis, they restored the home to be as authentic as possible. They then proceeded to overfill it with antiques and over-plant it with foliage. In addition to his studies of draftsmanship, Paul took pleasure in art, architecture, antiques, reading, cooking, crossword puzzles, and shopping. He also enjoyed classical films and music, travel, attending Broadway performances, and story telling. In 2005, Paul received a donor kidney, and through the skills and compassion of many health care professionals, he enjoyed an additional 17 years. He continued to work, and taught many how to deal with adversity with courage and dignity. There were periodic health issues and setbacks, but he persisted with good cheer and fine care. Paul could be an audacious raconteur and did not suffer fools gladly. He was brilliant, could be opinionated, and had a well developed design aesthetic. He responded particularly well to kindness. He is survived by nine delightful cousins and an Aunt; an adopted mother, Janet Ayres; Brian's siblings Lucinda Thrall and Harold (Margaret) Ayres; niece Hilary Nguyen and nephew Tristan Thrall; and a community of lovely neighbors, friends, and two cats. He was preceded in death by a sister, Suzanne Shaffer. Funeral services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area, 204 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460 or to the First United Methodist Church of Phoenixville, 865 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460.. Condolences may be made by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.