Obituary of Sylvia Shaffran

Sylvia Shaffran, 95, of Freehold, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2020.  Sylvia was born in the Bronx, New York, on September 21, 1925.  She was the daughter of Clara and Joseph Abrams.  She was married to Nathaniel Shaffran for 68 years.  After her marriage to Nathaniel, they moved to Riverhead, L.I. where he became the Principal of Riverhead High School.

Sylvia founded the East End Theatre Guild and the Riverhead Theatre Guild where she was active many years as producer, director and performer in numerous productions.  She attended Suffolk county College on Eastern L.I. in Theatre Arts and Literature. 

After moving to Toms River, Sylvia attended Ocean County College where she was named to the President’s Honors List for her academic record.  While in Toms River, Sylvia became the Director of Modern Muses, a women’s group that performed one act plays with proceeds going to various charities.

Sylvia and Nathaniel lived in Florida for 15 years before returning to New Jersey.  In Florida, they lived in Lakeshore Village where Sylvia directed the Lakeshore Village Playreaders.

During her years in Applewood, Sylvia sang in the chorus, was on the library committee, enjoyed the coloring class, current events, and many more of the enjoyable activities there.  Sylvia was a lover of music, literature, theatre and poetry, she enjoyed her family and friends.  She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Sylvia Shaffran is survived by her son, Michael J. Shaffran of Templeton, CA; her daughter, Gwen S. Komyati, and son-in-law, Joseph Komyati of Mt. Arlington, NJ; a son, Jonathan J. Shaffran of Alexandria, VA; four grandchildren, Nikolas S. Komyati, Daniel Komyati, Rachel Tsvaygoft and Jennifer Lozic; seven great-grandchildren, Nathan and Carter Komyati; Grant, Jacob and Sabrina Tsvaygoft; Isabella and Lucia Lozic. 

A graveside service will be Monday, October 5, 2020, 11:00am at Brigadier Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Freeman Funeral Home, 47 East Main St. Freehold, NJ 07728.