Robert A. Shelanskey, age 83, of Endicott, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Wilson Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Pauline Shelanskey, three brothers and one sister. Robert is survived by his wife, Jeannette, and children: Ann (Mike) Blodgett, Owego, NY; David (Darleen) Shelanskey, Cape Coral, FL; Paul Shelanskey, Mountain Home, ID; and Diane (Daniel) Stanek, Chillicothe, IL. He was blessed with grandchildren: Mary, Karen, Michael, Jessica, Jeffrey, Ann, James, Laurena, Carrie, Mark, and Luke; as well as numerous great-grandchildren. Robert was born in Elmira, NY, on March 20, 1934. He graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1952. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Robert married the love of his life, Jeannette, on June 23, 1956, and celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2016. Robert was a telephone installer retiring from Verizon in 1991 after 37 years of service and then spent 26 years pursuing his second career – retirement. Winters in Myrtle Beach being one of the highlights. For many years, Robert was a volunteer of both the West Endicott Fire Department and Ambulance Squad. Upon retirement, the garage became Robert’s woodworking shop where he spent many hours creating beautiful items. He especially loved making crucifixes. His family would like to thank the doctors (especially Dr. Mike), nurses, and staff at Wilson Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care provided to Robert as well as his family.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday 10 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Endicott. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Monday evening from 5-7 pm. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 701 West Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760.