Robert F. Shelato, 99, of Morristown, New York passed away March 25, 2024. Born in Cayuga, Indiana, the son of William Frank and Pearl Murrmann Shelato, he is predeceased in death by his wives, Arleen Barber, Ogdensburg, New York and Beverly Heron Tunison, Chippewa Bay, New York, a sister, Margaret Shelato, Chicago, Illinois, a brother William Shelato, Perrysville, Indiana, a sister Pauline Ernst, Peachtree City, Ga and a brother, Max Shelato, Clinton, Indiana. His children are Dean Shelato, Morristown, NY, Duane Shelato, Lewistown, Pa, Dwight Shelato, Salam SC, and a niece, Ruth Shelato, Cairo, New York. Ruth was raised by Bob and Arleen. Surviving are eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
Mr. Shelato was drafted into the Army June 22, 1943 at the age of 18 and proudly fought with the 249th Engineer Combat Battalion, Company C, Patton’s 3rd Army, in four major European campaigns during World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge.
His many decorations include medals and honors from four countries, the U.S. Silver Star for action above and beyond the call of duty, 4 bronze battle stars, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European Campaign Medal and Victory Medal.
He received a unit citation from the Defense Minister of Belgium signed by Charles, Prince of Belgium thanking him for his part in breaking the siege of Bastogne and liberating the 101st Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge.
Sixty five years after World War II, he was invited back to the country of Luxembourg and asked to help dedicate a monument honoring his 249th Engineer Combat Battalion and while he was there –was awarded a U.S. Embassy Medal Of Excellence presented to him by the U.S. Marine Corp Color Guard from Luxemburg U.S. Embassy and a Luxembourg citizens organization’s Medal of Honor “For Brave Achievements” while fighting for the Liberation of that country. A year later the President of France decreed Bob to be knighted with the Knight of Legion Of Honor- France’s highest soldier award.
Bob also took pride in being with the only military unit ever to successfully make an assault crossing the Rhine River.
His fondest war recollection was meeting General George S. Patton on the field of battle three times.
At war’s end, soldiers were discharged based on a point system. Because of high points, accumulated Bob was taken from his battalion and sent home early, arriving back in his home town at the age of 20- too young to enter a tavern.
Following his discharge from the army Mr. Shelato attended Indiana University for two years. Later he served in several organizations –was Master of Massena New York Grange and a member of both Presbyterian and Methodist churches, serving as President of the Board of Trustees of the Catskill, New York Methodist Church. He was also a member of the V.F.W and American Legion.
Robert and Arleen were married in the Presbyterian Church, Hammond NY in 1950 –later living in Massena NY and operating a feed store there for four years. After closing the feed store, he worked for Ralston Purina Company for 18 years as a District Sales Manager and Manager of Operations. His sales record won him a seat on Purina’s prestigious national General sales Manager’s Advisory Board for four years and his district had the distinction of having the highest company sales volume of dairy products.
His second career began after he left Purina and established a mail order business in Catskill, NY selling animal health products. Twelve years later at the age of 59 his company was purchased by a competitor and he and Arleen retired and moved to Florida. His remaining retirement summers were devoted to managing a family resort, Shelato Cedar Spring Cottages, owned by his three sons, located near Morristown, New York on the St Lawrence River.
His favorite hobbies were woodworking-making family heirloom furniture, golf and writing. In 1991, Bob authored a book “From Wheat Fields to Battlefields”. This Book was later followed up by another- “From Battlefields to Wheat Fields” Both books can be found on Amazon.
In 2007 Robert married Beverly Heron Tunison, Chippewa Bay, New York in the Hammond Presbyterian Church. Afterward they resided in Morristown, NY and wintered in North Fort Myers, Florida. Beverly passed away in late 2017.
Bob spent his final years first in Ft Myers Florida and later in Reedsville, Pa and would travel to his cottage in Morristown for summers.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Fox & Murray Funeral home in Ogdensburg, NY York. There will be a family interment ceremony on April 9th, 2024 for family members. A “celebration of life” memorial service will be scheduled in July. Specifics will be announced in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to the Hammond Presbyterian Church. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
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