Former Westfield High School standout and Class of 1978 alum Larry Shaffer died on November 14 from complications of pneumonia, family friend Susie Rivers announced.
Rivers said it took her time to share the news because she needed space to grieve. “My heart is broken. I miss my human. Life will never be the same without him,” she wrote, adding that anyone who met Larry “took an instant liking to him.”
She quoted his father saying Larry was “the nicest person he’s ever met.”
The Community of Westville Mourns
Many friends and neighbors posted their memories regarding Larry Shaffer, and the responses were immediate and heartfelt.
“Larry was a great man with a big heart. So heartbreaking to hear this,” James Chitty wrote. Chuck Whedon echoed the sentiment: “Love my times with Larry. Dammit, all that sucks. My condolences—RIP my friend.”
Classmates who grew up with Shaffer remembered a kind, easygoing presence. Emily Weiss, who said she went to school with him from Tamaques through Westfield High, called him “always the sweetest person” and described the news as devastating.
Dan Deweever called him “a wonderful friend,” while Liz Stevenson Warnock added, “He will truly be missed.”
Valerie Federici said she was moved to tears by how loved he was, and Karen Vitale summed it up: “He was such a nice guy…RIP Larry.”
Longtime neighbors and teammates also weighed in. Mark Edward recalled playing rec football with Larry under the coaching of Larry’s father and said, “For the short time I knew him I liked him. My sympathies to his family and friends.”
Those memories, small moments, shared laughs, and community games keep surfacing on the thread, a quiet reminder of how many lives he touched.
The family has not released funeral or memorial details publicly. For now, the social posts serve as a gathering place for people to remember Larry, the teammate, neighbor, and friend: short stories, photos, and condolences posted by those who knew him best.
Friends and family continue to add messages on Rivers’ post. Anyone who knew Larry and wants to share a memory or offer condolences can do so there as the Westfield community mourns one of its own.
Susie Rivers has not posted anything regarding the Celebration of Life nor the Funeral details, suggesting the ceremonies and final rites were done privately.
