David Shafarenko

In Loving Memory of David Shafarenko

David Shafarenko, age 87, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away on September 16, 2024, after a difficult battle with progressive Alzheimer’s Disease. 

David was born in Priluki, Ukraine, on January 21st, 1937, the son of Sonya (Shapiro) and Gersh Shafarenko.

He served for three years in the Army as a young man and received an education in electromechanical engineering from the Saint Petersburg College of Water Transport. His love for the beach and the romanticization of the open seas and horizons influenced his decision to go into shipbuilding, spending ten years at the Kuznia na Rybalskomu (previously named Leninska Kuznya).

David married the love of his life, Asya (Krochick) Shafarenko on September 6, 1971, in Kiev. The family immigrated to America on February 11th in 1981, and David became a naturalized American Citizen five years later. He was employed by Acro Labels in Willow Grove, PA for over 20 years. 

David was very outgoing, enjoyed socializing and was able to find a common language with just about everyone. He was also an avid runner, covering 8 miles every morning, well into his eighties, and he loved engaging and chatting with all the neighbors on his route. He was an enthusiast of classical music and loved Spanish guitar, often playing Piazzola on weekend mornings; he loved classical literature and was a voracious reader of both history and newspapers. For his entire life, David remained deeply curious about all topics great and small, and relished in sharing and debating his learnings with others.

David was preceded in death by his mother and father, and two brothers, Avram and Simon Shafarenko. He is survived by his beloved wife, Asya (Krochick) Shafarenko, Philadelphia, PA, his daughter, Marianna (Timothy Lavin) Shafarenko, Maplewood, NJ, and his cherished grandchildren Ethan and Maxine Lavin, Maplewood, NJ, as well as niece and nephews, Polina (Michael) Shafarenko, Felix (Marina) Shafarenko, and Alex (Dina) Shafarenko.

A memorial service will be held graveside on Thursday, September 19th, at 1:00 PM at Forest Hills Cemetery, 101 Byberry Road, Philadelphia, PA 19116. In lieu of flowers, contributions in David's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://act.alz.org/site/Donation)