Clifford L. Shafer's Obituary
Clifford L. Shafer passed away peacefully at his residence on December 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years old.
A resident of Mount Laurel since 2007, Cliff formerly was a long-time resident of Cinnaminson. He was born on September 5, 1956 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to the late Clarence and Mildred Shafer. He spent his boyhood years in Camp Hill, PA, before moving to Cinnaminson in 1965.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Cliff began working at CLC Locksmiths in Cinnaminson in 1978. The business was founded by his father, Clarence Shafer, in 1972. Cliff later became co-owner of the company alongside his brother, Larry Shafer, and remained dedicated to the family business throughout his life. His passion for his work led to numerous continuing education certifications, as both a locksmith and master safe and vault technician. Once established as an expert, he continued to promote further education of his peers and novice locksmiths as an educator. He was an active and well-respected member of the Greater Philadelphia Locksmith’s Association (GPLA), serving as Chairman of the Board on several occasions. Throughout his dedication to GPLA, Cliff made several lasting friendships that continued outside the organization’s official work.
Cliff had a lifelong love of adventure and the outdoors. In 1976, at the age of 19, he and two friends navigated a small sailboat from Cape May to England—an experience that reflected his adventurous spirit and love of the sea. He especially enjoyed hiking in Shenandoah National Park, road cycling, sports cars, and spending time in Cape May and Aruba. He was also an avid Philadelphia sports fan, following the Flyers, Phillies, and Eagles closely each season. Most of all Cliff cherished time with his family, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, usually with a glass of Blanton’s, neat, in his hand.
Cliff was the beloved husband of nine years to Derena E. Shafer (née Burkholder). He was a loving father to McKenna (Joe) Dressel and a devoted stepfather to Cassandra Cedeno. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Shafer, and Larry’s children, Ryan (Valerie) Shafer and Thomas (Lauren) Shafer. Cliff was the former husband of Susan Shafer.
Friends and family are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life honoring Cliff on Sunday 12-Apr-2026 from 12-4 PM at Whistler's Inn, in Cinnaminson, NJ.
We would love to share photos and memories friends and family have with Cliff. Included below is a link where people can upload photos. There’s also a short form where people are welcome to share memories or stories of/with Cliff—some may be shared by the Life Celebrant during the event as we reflect on the impact Cliff had on so many of us.
Photo Upload: https://www.dropbox.com/request/TQVl4hGa5vc5ftOLYcl5
Share your story or memory of Cliff: https://forms.office.com/r/M8jtqjXmte
We hope you can join us as we come together to remember and celebrate him.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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