Joseph Henry Shafer

July 6, 1958 - March 12, 2021
Joseph Henry Shafer


Joseph Henry Shafer, age 62 of Brunswick Forest in Leland, NC passed away, Friday March 12, 2021 at his home.

Joe is survived by his wife, Donna Baiata; son, Christopher and his partner Kat; daughter, Gina and husband Daniel; and grandchildren, Emery and Noah.
Brothers, Bob and Jeanette Shafer, Matt and Lucretia Shafer; sisters, Robin Shafer Cefalo and Andrew Cefalo, Kim Shafer Moore and Terry Moore, Christine Shafer Vojt and Fred Vojt, Jeri Shafer Losauro and Joe Losauro, and Lori DiMeola; mother in law Loretta Bertini; brothers in law, Scott and Debbie Bertini, Brian Bertini, Stephen and Michelle Bertini; sisters in law Selene Fatigate, Susan and Mike Gaffney; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and his special new puppy, “Brielle”.

Joe was born in Passaic, NJ on July 6, 1958 and grew up in Rutherford, New Jersey. He spent his career as a manager in the Lawn Care Industry. His passion was music, family , nature and loved watching reruns of old comedy shows on television. His knowledge of music was incredible. Another great past time was treating everyone to what he thought was funny and humerous, but with a dry sarcastic humor.

He was a very special man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters and all of his extended family members. He always kept in touch in everyone in his family and with his friends. He was passionate and displayed unwavering determination to get better after becoming sick six years ago. He never let it show and was always positive even with all of the difficulties he experienced. He had his own regular physical therapy routine he followed. Joe is loved by all of us so very much and he will be incredibly and truly missed.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 525 Village Road-Leland, NC 28451 910-383-3511


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  • March 18, 2021
    Steve Kuzma says:
    I love you Joe. We had so many good times together. It heartens me to know that you are now free of pain and affliction. Godspeed my friend.

  • March 18, 2021
    Omar Ramirez says:
    I had the pleasure to work with Joe for over 8 years in the lawn care industry. Until this day I remember the first time a met him. Always kind and positive. He was a mentor for all of us who worked with Joe. My wife and kids will always remember Joe with a big smile and all his jokes. We will miss you Joe

  • March 18, 2021
    Donna Baiata says:
    My beautiful Joe, We survived so much that we wentthrough together over the last thirty years. From the minute I met you and we were falling for each other you wanted to take care of me and my children. You became another father to them and only tried to make sure we were okay. After Gina and Chris lost their dad, you were there for them. When we lost our house in Belmar, you were so sad and we rebuilt a new house and you fell sick. It was a miracle that you survived . Your determination was unbelievable to recover the best way you could. You reached goals that were unachievable for most. I wish I told you more how very proud I was of you, how very much I love you and how I cherished you in my life. Through thick and thin and through good and bad our love was deep and will always be. I wanted to live the rest of my life loving you and spending more time with you. You wanted to be with the kids so bad and hold Emery and Noah and sit on the floor and play with them. You left way too soon. I will love you forever. You will be in my heart forever and I will cherish you with all my heart. Please Rest In Peace and know how very much you are missed and loved. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • July 08, 2021
    Bernadette Guzzi says:
    So sorry we didn’t keep in touch. I always remember u fondly and our time we spent together in Pittsburgh