John "Jack" Scheffel

John J. ''Jack'' Scheffel, 76, of Ruby, NY, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2016. He was born June 1, 1939 in Kingston, to the late David and Evelyn (Horton) Scheffel. He was married to Barbara (Brennan) Scheffel; they wed on June 25th 1961.


Jack was a heavy equipment operator and tug boat captain for Hudson Cement from 1961 until it closed. He later worked for the Town of Ulster Highway Dept., also operating heavy equipment for 25 years. He was a Life Member of the Ruby Fire Department for the past 55 years. He served in every office, including 20 years as Fire Chief. He most recently was the Chairman of the Fire District.


In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, John J. Scheffel, Jr. and his wife Katherine of Saugerties, NY and Patricia Coppola and her husband Paul of Beekman, NY; his grandchildren, Ryan and Kelsey Coppola, and Jason and Zachary Scheffel; his beloved cat, Fluffy #3; his siblings, David Scheffel and Helen Schabot; his sisters in law, Beverly Scheffel, Brenda Maloney and her husband James, Cheryl Scheffel, Donna Brennan, and Elsie Howe; his brother in law, August "Gus" Hof and his wife Beth Hankin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings, William Scheffel, Marion Knapp, Ruth Dachenhausen, and Raymond Scheffel, Sr.


Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, where friends and family may visit on Thursday, February 18th from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9pm. The funeral service will take place on Friday at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mt. Marion Cemetery. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Kingston Hospital; Dr. Engel and her staff; and the Ruby Fire Department. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ruby Fire Department, PO Box 175, Ruby, NY 12475.