We have lost a good friend.
Ronn Shaffer, President of the Old Pine Conservancy, has died.
Ronn, known to many at Old Pine for the countless hours he spent researching more than 4,000 bodies buried at the Old Pine graveyard, was a historian, a one-man band and a real gentleman.
He will be truly missed.
His wife Ellen says “he loved the graveyard and was so pleased with Duffield tree sculpture.”
Ron once jokingly referred to himself as “a Digger O’Dell,” saying, “I dig into history about dead people.”
In a vimeo posted on the Old Pine Website, he voiced this concern: “My fear about the graveyard is that scholarship will cease when I’m gone. And time for me is running out.
“I’m hoping there is someone or someones who will pick up the cudgel and become addicted like I have become addicted and continue.”
Time will tell.
Our thoughts are with his family. Ronn, it was a pleasure and a treat to have come in contact with you.
-Old Pine Conservancy Board
Because Ronn was so well known to many of our members and put in over 20,000 hours of volunteer work for Old Pine Conservancy, we continue to accept memorial contributions for him. Our longtime historian, tour guide and friend died in 2019.
Contributions may be made in his memory to Old Pine Conservancy, 412 Pine St., Phila., PA 19106. Or you can submit a contribution through our website.