Thomas J. Shelhamer

POTTSVILLE - Thomas James "Shelly" Shelhamer, 73, of West West Terrace, passed away Monday at the Schuylkill Medical Center, East Norwegian St., Pottsville, after a three year valiant battle with cancer. Born in Pottsville on April 4, 1936, he was a son of the late Oscar D. & Margaret L. (Long) Shelhamer. He was a 1954 graduate of Pottsville High School. Tom served his country as a veteran of the Navy. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, who kept his sense of humor throughout his many ordeals, he will be greatly missed by his wife Margaret "Peg" Shelhamer, to whom he was married on June 28, 1958. After 43 years, Tom was retired from Acme Markets. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville. Shelly was also a life member of the Yorkville Hose Co., a life member of the VFW, Pottsville post, and the Black Diamond Navy Club, Minersville. He was a past master two times of the 730 Masonic Lodge, Pottsville. In addition to his wife Peg of 50 years, Tom is survived by: two sons, Mark and his wife Margaret "Maggie"; and Kurt and his wife Alene, all of Pottsville; two daughters, Gwen and her husband, Leonard Matz, Schuylkill Haven and Jill and her husband Ron Kauffman, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; nine grandchildren, Ashley Matz, Samantha Shelhamer, Jessica Shelhamer, Heather Shelhamer, Zachary Shelhamer, Meagan Kauffman, Rachael Kauffman, Noah Shelhamer and Ethan Shelhamer; and two nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Robert Shelhamer. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 AM from the Trinity Lutheran Church, 3rd & Arch St., Pottsville. The Rev. Harold Hand will officiate. Family and friends may call at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Inc, 6th & W. Market St., Pottsville on Wednesday evening from 7-9 and Thursday morning at the church from 10 until time or service. Interment will be in the Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 3rd & Arch St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Your condolences for the Shelhamer family may be left online by visiting our website at www.bestlifetributes.com