Earl W. Shafer, 80, formerly of Front Street, Oil City, passed away Monday, March 2, 2009. Born Aug. 7, 1928, in Oil City, he was the son of Lawrence and Bertha Bower Shafer. Mr. Shafer graduated in 1946 from Oil City High School and earned a master's degree in music from Temple University. He is a graduate of InfoAge Computer School and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He also served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Shafer taught music in various locations, including Ohio, Wisconsin and Germany. His dedication to music was vital to starting Carols in the Park and in producing a Christmas recording of pipe organs in Oil City churches. He was also a co-founder of Mostly Brass and a member of the Silver Cornet Band. He was an aide for former state Rep. Ron Black and was involved in numerous projects. Mr. Shafer was a co-founder of the Center for Hope Counseling Center. He was well known for his volunteer work in the community and his involvement in the Oil City Chamber of Commerce, which included the Economic Development Corp., the Weaver Buick Chess Club and the Oil City Historical Walking Tour. He is survived by a sister, Joan Oakes of Oil City; seven nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Lydia Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Henrietta Carll; and a brother, Lawrence "Bud" Shafer. A memorial service will be held by the family.