Thomas D. Shreffler

             Thomas D. Shreffler, 77, of Venus (Pinegrove Township), formerly of Seneca, died at his home early Sunday morning, November 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

            He was born in Nickleville on January 26, 1947 to the late Robert E. and Ruth Irene (Etzel) Shreffler. 

            He graduated from Buena Vista High School in Imperial, Texas, before attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania. 

            Tom was a member of the former Seneca United Methodist Church (now Son Rise Church) where he previously served as Sunday School superintendent.  He also volunteered with the Cranberry Area Food Pantry. 

            Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking and building bird houses. He built two homes for his family and was considered a jack of all trades. He was always willing to help others with a home improvement project and after retirement, he helped his son, Bob, at times with his construction business.  He and Judy enjoyed spending the winter season at a campground in Florida where he and his cousin, Dean, worked on small projects for many of their friends and neighbors.

  He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and especially loved time spent outside around the fire sharing stories and reminiscing. Tom also enjoyed the companionship of his pet dog, Bodie.

            He was employed with Verizon as a zone technician and was involved in fiber optic cable and high-speed data lines.  He retired in 2003 following 37 years of service. 

            He was married in the Seneca United Methodist Church on April 23, 1966 to the former Judith A. Stivanson, and she survives. 

            Also surviving are three sons:  Dana K. Shreffler and his friend Gary Morgan of Poteet, Texas, Robert W. Shreffler and his wife Martha of Venus, and Brian T. Shreffler and his wife Carol of Venus.  His grandchildren include Logan Shreffler (Josh) of Pittsburgh, Nicholas Shreffler (Katie) of Richmond, Texas, Alycia Sliker (Toby) of Franklin, Kristen Shreffler of Walnut Bend, Britney Long (Evan) of Portsmouth, Virginia, Kayla Sherman (Cory) of Oil City, and Eric Hoover (Adrian) of Oil City; and Tom's great-grandchildren:  Abigail, Kennedy, Lucas, and Tobias Sliker, Ethan and Ella Sherman, Olivia and Miles Shreffler, and Oliver Hoover.   

            Tom is also survived by a sister, Margie Rimkus of Poteet, Texas; two brothers, Edward Shreffler of Cranberry, and James Shreffler and wife Linda of Ashville, North Carolina;  a sister-in-law, Gerry Stivanson of Oil City; and a brother-in-law, Andy Stivanson and his wife Marcia of Aiken, South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews. 

            He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Bonnie Ritner.

            Visitation will be held Tuesday (Nov. 26) from 4 - 8 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, where a funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday (Nov. 27) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Robert Wilson, officiating. 

            Tom's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to AseraCare Hospice, including his nurses Andrea and Linda, for their care and compassion.       

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cranberry Area Food Pantry, P.O. Box 446 Seneca, PA  16346; Seneca Son Rise Church (Blanket Ministry), 196 E. State Rd. Seneca, PA  16346; or to AseraCare Hospice (Amedisys Company), P.O. Box 944, Waterford PA 16441.

            To express online condolences to Tom’s family, visit wwwhilebest.com

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