S. J. Shaffran Obituary

Colonel SJ Shaffran, USAF, Ret. died on 25 April 2010 from the
complications of a protracted illness.

Col. Shaffran was born in Fort Worth, Texas on October 8, 1930 to Simon
Julius Shaffran and Beatice Block Shaffran. He grew up in Denver,
Colorado and from there enlisted in the Navy in 1948. He was
appointed to the Naval Academy in 1950, and graduated from the Naval
Academy in 1954. He took his commission in the Air Force, and in July
1954, married the former Jane Carolyn Ward (daughter of Admiral Frank T.
Ward, and Thelma P. Ward).

Col. Shaffran's early assignments in the Air Force began to center on
satellite technology, with a tour of duty commanding the Texas Towers at
the beginning of the 1960™s. During the Vietnam era, he was
instrumental in establishing satellite tracking stations and in
designing and launching satellites.

In the late 1960's and early 1970's he worked as part of the
research and development team designing the Space Shuttle. His
efforts in space technology and communications took him to a stint at
the Pentagon and eventually to two separate command posts with NATO,
first in Turkey, and then in Germany. During his career, Col.
Shaffran earned two Legions of Merit, a Meritorious Service Medal, and a
Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He retired from the Air Force in
1984, and subsequently led more research and development in the
communications field for CSC in Northern Virginia.

Col. Shaffran was a dedicated member of the Episcopal Church, active in
its leadership as a layman, both in the US and abroad (in Turkey), and
served on committees and as a senior Vestry member. Involved in the
Naval Academy Alumni Association and one of the founders of the Air
Force Academy Athletic Association, Col. Shaffran was an avid football
fan and ardent supporter of the Naval Academy. He was a singer with
the Central City Opera, the Naval Academy, and in many church choirs
over the years. He loved and patronized the musical arts.
He very much enjoyed his retirement years, reading voraciously,
traveling a bit, and spending time with his grandsons. Col.
Shaffran's unique sense of humor, fierce cribbage game, and his
devotion to his family will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Jane Ward Shaffran, his two
children, James Stephen Shaffran, and Anne (Kit) Shaffran Lorber, his
brother, Richard J. Shaffran, his sister-in-law, Anne W. Brossy, and his
two grandsons, Stephen Ward Shaffran, and Joseph Barrett Lorber.

Services will be held in in St Andrew's on the 13th at 2pm. with
reception to follow at the club