Richard A. Shaffer, Ret. Sgt. UPD

Richard A. Shaffer, Ret. Sgt. UPD, age 57, of New Hartford, passed away on Monday February 9, 2026, at the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY after a courageous battle with cancer. His loving family was by his side.

He was born in Utica on February 27, 1968, a son of Annette Borgia Shaffer and the late Anthony Shaffer, and was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. On August 25, 2012, he was married to Lisa Calogero in St. Louis Gonzaga Church, a loving and blessed union of 13 years.

Rich began his public safety career in 1995, where he became a patrolman with the City of Utica Police Dept. In 2011, he was appointed to the position of Sergeant where he remained until his retirement in 2015, after 20 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Utica.

After retirement Rich became a special patrol officer with the Oneida County sheriff’s office working at Harts Hill Elementary School, a position he truly enjoyed. He always had a watchful eye on the students ensuring their safety while making relationships with everyone at the school. Rich also had many interests and had a thirst for knowledge. He was a paramedic, loved woodworking, leather crafting, music and books. He was the consummate prankster and loved life to the fullest. He enjoyed an intense game of Mario Kart with his family. His family will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

Surviving are his beloved wife Lisa, his daughter Samantha Shaffer; his son Anthony Shaffer; his mother Annette Shaffer; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeff and Lisa Shaffer and Ron and Alexis Shaffer; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Ann and Vincent Calogero; his brother-in-law Michael Calogero (Tess Potaczala) and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday February 15th from 1-3 pm at The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave. Utica. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday February 16th at 10:30 am in Mary, Mother of Our Savior Church, (Our Lady of Lourdes Campus) 2222 Genesee St. Utica, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard, may be made to Rochester Hope Lodge for Cancer, 1120 S. Goodman St. Rochester, NY 14620.

Online sympathy www.scalaroefaro.com.