Porter Corners, NY - Robert J. Schallehn passed away at home with his family beside him Thursday, December 1, 2011, after a brief fight with cancer. He was 92.
Born September 28, 1919, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Bernard and Mary Schallehn. He was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. Robert served with the Navy as an aircraft mechanic during WWII. For his service he received the WWII Victory Medal. He then joined the Air National Guard of New York and the Reserve of the United States Air Force. Robert was one of the original members of the 109th Air National Guard stationed in Schenectady, NY. In 1979 he retired after serving 30 years as an air technician, guardsman, Warrant Officer, and then as a Chief Master Sergeant.
Upon his retirement, Robert and his wife, Mary, moved to Largo, FL, where they lived until 2003. Together they swam, golfed and traveled the country in their motor home. He was an avid sportsman. Robert enjoyed skating, hunting, golfing and skiing. In his early years, Robert was a member of the Saratoga Winter Club and for many years he was a member of the National Ski Patrol, skiing at Alpine Meadows Ski Area. Robert was a flying enthusiast and he spent many hours with his friends talking about the days of the old P-47s and his many trips to Greenland. "Pop" (as he was affectionately called by his family) will always be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a terrific sense of humor and he never met a stranger.
In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary Vaughan Schallehn; four brothers, Theodore, John, Eugene and Leonard Schallehn; and a sister, Bernice Kirkpatrick.
Survivors include his children, William Schallehn and Sheri Schrade; grandchildren, Robert Schallehn, Katie Fisher, Scott Schallehn, Amy Bacigalupo, Marcie Smith-Churchill, Brian Schrade, and Jodi Schrade Prater; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, December 6, 2011.
Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
