John C. "Jack" Schaffer HERKIMER - John C. "Jack" Schaffer, age 77, passed away on Thursday morning, March 9, 2006 at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. Jack was born on December 15, 1928 in Herkimer, son of the late Mitchell and Alice Bateman Schaffer. A lifelong Herkimer resident, Jack was a 1947 graduate of Herkimer High School. A US Army veteran during World War II, he served for thirty-nine months in Germany with the 627th Quartermaster Corps. Jack was honorably discharged in 1952 attaining the rank of Corporal. On May 23, 1953 Jack married the former Antonetta Marocco in St. Joseph's Church, Little Falls. For a period of time he worked for the Remington Arms Company in Ilion until 1968 when he joined the Herkimer Fire Department. He served with the Fire Department for twenty-eight years until his retirement in September of 1986. Jack was a member of St Francis deSales Church. In his leisure time he enjoyed carpentry, woodworking, cooking and took great pride in his garden. To all who knew Jack, they will remember his warm smile and friendly manner. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends, especially his four grandchildren. Jack will be greatly missed. Surviving are his loving wife of fifty-two years, Antonetta, one son, Kevin and his wife Kathy Schaffer of Utica, a daughter, Shauna and her husband Anthony Malta of New Hartford, four grandchildren, Eileen Schaffer of Albany, Dustin Schaffer of Tempe, AZ, and AJ and Alex Malta. Jack also had two step-grandchildren, Carrie Patterson and husband Chris and Sean Patterson and one step great-grandchild, Jazzmine, of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and in-laws. Funeral from Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer on Saturday at 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in St Francis deSales Church, Herkimer. Father Mark Cunningham will officiate. Interment will follow in St Mary's Cemetery. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Friday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers or mass cards the family requests memorial donations be made to St Francis deSales Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to St. Elizabeth's Hospital staff on 3B, Kathy Marollo, Karen Noble, and Drs Kachare and Nassif for the kindness, care and compassion shown during his illness. All Herkimer Paid Firemen, Call Men and Retirees are asked to meet at the funeral home at 7:30 PM Friday for services.