Joel C. Sheaffer

Joel C. Sheaffer ’HM, of Hershey, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 31, 2024.

It is with profound sorrow that we share the passing of Joel (Jody) Craig Sheaffer who passed away on March 31, 2024, in Hershey at the age of 66. Jody’s journey was marked by kindness, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Jody’s formative years were spent in Harrisburg, a 1975 graduate of Central Dauphin High School. He went on to pursue his education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and further obtained a master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire.

As a revered educator of 30 years and esteemed baseball coach of 19 years at Milton Hershey School, Jody left an indelible mark on generations of students and athletes; earning him the distinguished honor of being named an honorary alumnus of the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association.

Jody is predeceased by parents Max and Joyce Sheaffer, sister Marie Sheaffer, and nephew Jacob Hamilton.

Jody is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Cristal (Swartzbaugh) Sheaffer; sister Sally Hamilton; daughters, Jessica St. Clair and Julie Hopkins (Matt); grandsons Owen and Charlie Hopkins; niece Dawn Hamilton; nephews John, Jesse and Alan Hamilton; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; in-laws, Claude and Louise Swartzbaugh; sister-in-law, Melodie Bedford (daughter, Ashlie); and sister-in-law Lisa Lithgow (Jim, and children Lindsay and Jackie).

In honor of Jody’s memory and his commitment to education and mentorship, tax deductible donations may be sent to the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association in honor of Jody Sheaffer, 109 McCorkel Road, Hershey, PA 17033, ensuring that Jody’s legacy of excellence and compassion continues for generations to come.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 8th, at Hoover Funeral Home, 88 Lucy Ave., Hershey, from 4 to 6PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, April 9th, at 3PM in the Purcell Friendship Hall, 109 McCorkle Rd., Hershey. A private interment will take place in the Hershey Cemetery.

Send condolences and view full obituary at www.hooverfuneralhome.com.