William C. Shafer ’55

Bill, a notably warm-hearted, strong supporter of his class and the University, died Nov. 21, 2020, at age 87 after two falls triggered serious neck injuries. Betsy Grimes, an associate director of Annual Giving who had worked with him as class agent for seven years, said, “Bill was a wonderful person to work with. He was so grateful for his Princeton experience. He wanted to give back.”

Bill was born Feb. 4, 1933, in Cincinnati, and graduated from Withrow High School, where he was class president and active in athletics and his fraternity. At Princeton he joined Cannon Club, majored in biology, and was involved with many campus groups. Senior year he married Mary Ruth Guenther and they lived in town.

After graduation Bill was a naval aviator for four years, then spent 30 years with Merrill Lynch, ending as manager of the downtown Miami office. Bill loved to play golf, travel, and sing in the choir of his Episcopal Church. Prior to serving as class agent from 1996 until 2020 he had been class treasurer from 1990 to 1995.

Bill’s wife died in 1995. He is survived by son Steven, daughters Amy Thompson and Robin Brenes, eight grandchildren, and his longtime companion, Patty Botsch of Atlanta.