William Neil Shaffer

William Neil Shaffer, Jr. (Neil), 63 of Wellington, Florida passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2025. He was born on August 12, 1962 in North Miami, Florida. Neil's journey began in Miami. He was a personable, curious, and intelligent child. His family relocated to Wellington, Florida when Neil was a teenager. He attended Cardinal Newman High School and later received an Associates of Arts degree from Palm Beach Junior College. Neil also attended Florida State University and held a license in Cosmetology. His life journey was circuitous, one with many pivots. He worked as a flight attendant, a stylist and make up artist, and for many years in food service in Florida, the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, and California. He had his struggles, strengths, and experienced many miracles. He was truly blessed by a loving God that he worshiped, as a Catholic, until the time of his death. Neil was full of life, love, laughter, and light. He lived as proof of God's devine work. He was blessed beyond measure. Neil fiercely loved his family and friends. He had recently moved to Palm Springs, California, where he made many new friends and met his partner, John Day. They built a stable, happy life together with their two fur babies, Toby and Rigby. His family is grateful that Neil passed in grace, peace, love, and happiness. Neil is survived by his mother and father, Cynthia and Robert Lenhard; his sister, Adrienne Shaffer; his niece, Nicki Hagan (Conor); his great niece, Riley, great nephew, Ryder; his aunt, Linda Stryker; his partner, John Day; his Palm Springs family and friends, his furbabies Toby and Rigby; and so many longtime friends. Neil is predeceased by his father, William Neil Shaffer, Sr., his grandmother, Mildred Tenerillo, his great-grandmothers, Gussie Salter and Ethel Imboden. A Requiem Mass will be held at St. Rita's Catholic Church (13645 Paddock Drive, Wellington, Florida) on Friday, September 19th at 1:00 PM. Interment will immediately follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery (10941 Southern Boulevard, Royal Palm Beach, Florida).