Horst Schaffert: WWII Army Vet, World Traveler, Handyman

Horst Schaffert, 81, of Sheffield Road Greenville, RI. passed away peacefully on Nov. 10 at Philip Hulitar Hospice, surrounded by his daughter and son, according to Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home.

He was also known to his family and friends as “Harry” and “Opi” to his grandchildren. He was the loving husband of the late Emily (Feula) Schaffert.

He was born in Lodz, Poland and was the son of the late Willy and Elsa (Heinrich) Schaffert. He lived in Kothen, Germany with his family until coming to Pawtucket, RI in 1955. He married the love of his life, Emily on April 21, 1956. They were married for almost 50 years and lived in Johnston.

He worked at Brown and Sharpe as an Engineer, for many years. Then he owned his own business, Ocean State Engineering, until he retired in 1993. He also served in the United States Army for 2 years. He graduated Johnson and Wales University.

Opi was a devoted family man and enjoyed his three grandchildren. He loved to travel with his family to many countries. He also really enjoyed visiting his family in Germany. He had many activities which he enjoyed doing such as, reading, babysitting, playing cards, and wood-working. He built many toy chests, as well as a doll case and a paint-ball case for his grandchildren. He was always there for his children to help out and fix anything that was broken. He was a loving, compassionate and generous gentleman.

He is survived by his daughter, Marlies Bruno and her husband, Eric of Greenville, his son Gerald Schaffert and his wife Nadine of South Kingtown, his devoted grandchildren Erika, Alexander and David Bruno, his brothers Peter and Gunter Schaffert of Germany, many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Margit Heidenreich, many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his honor to Alzheimer’s Association and Home and Hospice Care of RI.

A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday November 14, 2012 at 1pm the Chapel of Highland Park 1 Rhode Island Ave Johnston, RI.