Schiffman, John A. Jr. John A. Schiffman, Jr. Philanthropist, 99, of Crestwood, MO on, August 5, 2015. Beloved husband of 44 years of the late Althea Whitcraft Schiffman, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. Formerly employed by the PepsiCola Bottling Company of St. Louis, Mr. Schiffman devoted his life to helping others by his involvement in the Disciples of Christ Christian Church, Optimist Clubs International, Red Cross, the US Armed Forces in WWII and the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Schiffman was a philanthropist, who made contributions to various medical and educational institutions, including the establishment of an endowed Chair in Ethics, Religious Studies and Philosophy at Columbia College in Columbia, MO, where he also served on the board for many years. Significant donations to the National Benevolent Association, Webster Groves Christian Church, William Woods College, Culver-Stockton College and various local charities were also made. He was a volunteer participant for many years until his death in the Washington University Memory and Aging Project. Mr. Schiffman was a member of Webster Groves Christian Church for over 75 years, where he was an elder and served on various committees. He was known by all to be a pillar of selflessness, always the first at the bedside of the infirm and the house of the grieving. A gentleman and attentive listener to people of all ages, he made others feel important and valued. He chose optimism and hope, even in the face of adversity, and inspired others to do the same. Surviving are his two sons, John Schiffman III and wife, Marilyn, of Dallas, TX; and Donald Schiffman and wife, Martha, of Saint Peters, MO; four daughters, Joy Masterson of Indianapolis, IN, Dr. Nancy Longo and husband, Dr. Dan Longo, of Kensington, MD; Marilee Gaar and husband, Harold, of Richfield, OH; and Bonnie Pearson and husband, Evan, of Dallas, TX; a sister, Marjean Davis of Webster Groves, MO; 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three expectant great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers, and a grandson. Services: Memorial service Sunday, August 9 at 2:30 p.m. at Webster Groves Christian Church, 1320 W. Lockwood Ave., Glendale, MO, 63122. John's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will hold a private service at a future date, with entombment at Oak Grove Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Webster Groves Christian Church or the Boy Scouts of America.
Published in St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, 2015