Dennis Noel Shaffer "Shaff" of Oregon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, at the Landings of Oregon, just before sunrise — his favorite time of day, when the world was quiet, and the AM radio was already fired up. He was 83 years old.

Dennis was born on March 1, 1942, to Donald and Doris (Newbury) Shaffer. He graduated from Clay High School in 1960, earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Toledo in 1964, and went on to earn his Master's from Syracuse University in 1971.

In 1975, he married the love of his life, Marlene (Zawacki), a woman with the patience of a saint and a smile that could still stop him in his tracks after almost 50 years.

Dennis taught high school physics, chemistry, and math in the Toledo Public Schools, at Macomber and Start High School, from 1964 to 2004. He had a knack for making complex science fun, and an even bigger talent for turning classroom chaos into curiosity. Outside the lab, he coached a championship cross-country team at Macomber High School and the always-competitive bowling team at Start High School.

When he wasn't in the classroom, Dennis could usually be found in his backyard tomato garden, dressed in his signature look: flannel shirt, well-worn jeans, and his trusty headphones tuned into AM political radio, where he was not just a listener, but a frequent caller, known for his sharp wit, strong opinions, and absolute refusal to be cut off mid-sentence.

He also loved running, golfing, and bowling (not necessarily in that order), and he never met a map, atlas, or almanac he didn't want to read cover to cover. The man could recite state capitals, postal codes, and the population of nearly every town in Ohio with unnerving accuracy. But nothing brought him more joy than time spent with Marlene and his grandchildren, who knew that Grandpa would never let a visit go by without a goofy joke, a weather update, and probably a trivia quiz.

Dennis spent his final years at the Landings of Oregon, where he was lovingly cared for by staff who quickly became like family. The family would especially like to thank Dee, Aleeca, Brianna, Amanda, and Jamie for their kindness, humor, and the dignity they brought to his final chapter.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marlene, sister Diane (Shaffer) White, son Kevin Shaffer (Ashley), daughter Kristi Isbell (Garry), and grandchildren Tre Isbell, Diem Isbell, Harper Shaffer, and Carson Shaffer, all of whom inherited at least a little of his stubbornness, intellect, and dry sense of humor.

Dennis Shaffer was many things; a teacher, a husband, a dad, a grandpa, a tomato whisperer, and a radio rabble-rouser. But above all, he was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed.

Family and friends may visit Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, 440 S. Coy Rd., in Oregon, OH, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m., with the service at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial contribution to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, who cared for Dennis so compassionately.