William Joseph Schlaffer, Sr., 79, of Suffolk, VA passed away March 5, 2010. He was born in Rochester, NY the son of the late Joseph J. Schlaffer and Matilda O. Lays Schlaffer. He was predeceased by his first wife, Grace B. Schlaffer and a step son, Billy W. Branch. William was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He later went on to retire as an Electronic Engineer for the U.S. Government. He was a member of the Suffolk Masonic Lodge #30 where he served as Past District Deputy Grand Master. He was also a member of the Suffolk Moose Lodge #141 where he served as Past Governor.

William is survived by his wife of 11 years, Sylvia A. Schlaffer; sons, William J. Schlaffer, Jr. (Brenda), Charles F. Schlaffer (Beth); grandchildren, Lauren Ashleigh Schlaffer, Ward, and Donald Harrington; sisters, Elizabeth Foti, Rosemary Tanski, Jane Wegman; 10 nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Kennedy, Angie Hofman (Pete), Jean Saghy (Emory), Gloria Barnette (Doug); step daughters, Cynthia A. Matthews (Charles), Allison K. Wood (Jim); step sons, Frederick S. Matthews (Angela), Delray Matthews (Marie); 7 step grandchildren, 2 step great grandchildren.

A graveside service with Masonic rites will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Newman's Memorial Cemetery behind Oakland Christian Church in Chuckatuck, VA with Rev. Cliff Whitlock officiating. Friends may join the family Tuesday night from 7-8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory and other times at the residence of Cindy and Charles Matthews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Home of Virginia at 4101 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA 23223-4999. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.