Russell G. Shelhamer

Russell G. Shelhamer, Portersville and formerly of Fredonia passed away early Thursday morning, March 11, 2021 at the V.A. Medical Center, Pittsburgh.  He was 74.

Russell was born in Sharon on October 27, 1946, a son of the late Robert E. and Alverna Arlene (Jennings) Shelhamer.  Mr. Shelhamer was a US Army veteran having from Oct. 20, 1964 – Sept. 25, 1975.  While stationed in Berlin, Germany he worked as an Electric Repairman.  His military career involved serving two tours of duty in Vietnam from Dec. 18, 1967 - Dec. 17, 1968 and July 21, 1970  -  July 20,  1971. While serving in In Vietnam, he worked as a flight engineer on CH 54 Heavy Lift Helicopter. Having served his country dutifully and honorably, he received numerous awards including the National Defense Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Good Conduct Medal with bronze clasp -3 loops, the Air Medal Second Award along with many other awards.  Russell was honorably discharged at an E5 rating.  Following his service with the US Army, Russell was employed at the Pittsburgh Bulk Mail Center in Warrendale, retiring in 2010 resulting in an accumulation of over 40 years of government service.  He was of the Methodist faith.  Mr. Shelhamers was very strong in his Christian faith, placing his God and his family first.  He was actively involved with his family who was the center of his life.

He is survived by a son, Steven R. Shelhamer, Harmony; a daughter, Tammy Cantella and her husband Michael, Zelienople; a brother, John L. Shelhamer and his wife Sharon, Greenville; his former wife who remained a close friend, Linda Shelhamer, Zelienople and two grandsons, Joseph and Joshua Cantella.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Karen Shelhamer and a brother, Robert Shelhamer.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the Millbank Cemetery, Fredonia where he will be laid to rest next to his parents and sister with Military Honors accorded by the Reynolds VFW Post.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 169 Second Street, Fredonia, PA.

The family has suggested that memorial tributes may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka KS 66675

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