New Castle, PA - Melvin P. Shaffer, 81, of Union Township, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Sunday evening, Feb. 1, 2026, in UPMC Jameson Hospital.

Mr. Shaffer was born Dec. 13, 1944, in New Castle, a son of the late Walter P. and Frances G. (Moore) Shaffer.

He graduated from New Castle High School in 1963.

Melvin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Sept. 26, 1963, and valiantly served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded three service medals prior to being honorably discharged on Sept. 25, 1967.

For 46 years, Melvin worked in the fiberglass unit at Universal Rundle in New Castle, retiring in 2014.

He was of the Methodist faith.

Earlier in his life, Melvin was an avid runner and completed several marathons, and continued to enjoy exercising his entire life, most recently at Challenges.

His loving wife of 56 years, Doris (Emery) Shaffer, whom he married Sept. 13, 1969, survives at home.

Melvin is also survived by a son, Steven Shaffer (Ronda) of New Castle; a daughter, Julie Kline (Bobby) of Anchorage, Alaska; and three grandchildren, Ellen Matarazzo (John), William Shaffer and Jillian Kline.

In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by a brother, Alan Shaffer.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation.

A private service will be held amongst family.

Entombment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.