Edward Paul Shelatz

     Edward Paul Shelatz, 79, of Harmony, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 after an extended illness, at the Veterans Community Living Center in Butler.

     Ed was born December 5, 1946, in Meadville, the son of Steve and Marjorie (Campbell) Shelatz. He was a 1964 graduate from Conneaut Lake High School. Chief Master Sergeant Shelatz entered active duty January 16, 1966 as an Air Freight Specialist, receiving an honorable discharge from active duty in May of 1969. Chief Shelatz joined the Air Force Reserves at Youngstown, Ohio in February of 1980 in Wing Training and obtained a 9-skill level as a training superintendent. In 1984, Chief Shelatz joined the 76th Mobile Aerial Port Squadron and subsequently reached an Aerial Port Superintendent 9-skill level.

     He furthered his education by earned an associate’s degree from Gannon University and later a bachelor of science degree in Human Resource Management from Geneva University. Ed had been employed with PPG Industries since 1970 as a Senior Purchasing Agent for corporate packing in Pittsburgh.

     Ed was a member of St. Faustina Parish in Prospect. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6037, the Linesville Jaycee’s, the St. Christopher’s Men’s Club and Festival Committee and the Linesville American Legion Post 462. He had been president of Linesville Little League, coached for many years, and had been active in Linesville sports and music boosters. In his younger years, Ed enjoyed serving as the MC for the Miss Linesville Beauty Pageants, playing on the PPG softball league and also had a love for hunting.

     Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Fran (Jablonski) Beck Shelatz, whom he married on November 28, 1970 at St. Philip Church in Linesville; five children, Dan Beck, Terry Beck and his wife, Lisa, Melanie Smith-Fortney and her husband, Shawn, Scott Shelatz and his wife, Lisa, and Michael Shelatz; ten grandchildren, Alyssa Cole and her husband, Andrew, T.J. Beck and his wife, Chloe, Connor Beck, Landon Beck, Gavin Beck, Sydni Smith, Kendall Smith, Gaige Cramer, Jace Shelatz and Alexis Shelatz; one great-granddaughter, Amelia Jan Cole; two brothers Jim and Charles Shelatz; a sister, Mary Ann Shelatz; and many sister-in-law’s, brother-in-law’s, nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Shelatz; and a daughter-in-law, Jan Beck.

     Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 28 from 4 to and 8 p.m. at Royal-Coleman Funeral Home, 6028 U.S. Highway 6, Linesville. Additional calling will be Wednesday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus Council 6037 will led a rosary prayer for the soul of Ed Shelatz at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 29 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, 401 S. Mercer St., Linesville, with Father Adam Verona as celebrant.

     Burial with full military honors will be in St. Philip Cemetery.

     Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ed to the Knights of Columbus Council 6037, P.O. Box 551, Conneaut Lake, Pa 16316 or the Yolanda Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Rd., Meadville, Pa 16335.

     Please share a condolence or memory of Ed for the family at royalcolemanfuneralhome.com. 

Major Awards and Decorations

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with one device

Air Force Commendation Medal

Air Force Distinguished/Presidential Unit Citation

Air Force Meritorious Unit Award

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and three devices

Air Force Good Conduct Medal

Air Reserves Forces Meritorious Service Medal with eight devices

National Defense Service Medal with two devices

Vietnam Service Medal with one device

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Air Force Oversees Ribbon – Short Tour

Air Force Expeditionary Service with gold border and one device

Air Force Longevity Service with seven devices

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two “M” devices

USAF NCO PME Graduate

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship (Rifle)

Air Force Training

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal