Gerald Schaffran

Gerald F. Schaffran, 87, of Royal Oak for 63 years, died Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at William Beaumont Hospital. He was born August 6, 1927, in Detroit. During World War II, our father served in the navy. His sea bag with parts of his uniforms is still in our attic. Our father was a long time member of National Shrine of the Little Flower parish, Royal Oak. He enjoyed his role as an usher at the Saturday vigil mass for many years. Dad's hobbies included constructing wood model planes and an annual backyard garden that in some years took over a major portion of our backyard. With great enthusiasm, he would wait for that first ripe tomato. And, with six children also waiting for something to burst forth, that first ripe tomato sometimes disappeared before he got home from work. Surviving are his children, Theresa Ronald Prill of Camas, WA, Geralyn Michael Derry of Bloomfield Hills, Thomas Debra Schaffran of Royal Oak, Mary Robert Bouren of Royal Oak, Catherine Paul Pasanen of Berkley, and Patrick Schaffran of St. Clair Shores; sister's Suzanne Hentschel of Clinton Township and Mary Hernandez of Troy; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary at the William Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak. Instate Thursday 11:30 a.m. until time of Mass 12:00 p.m.. at the, National Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak; burial, Roseland Park Cemetery, Berkley. Contributions to National Shrine of the Little Flower Church would be appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.