Robert Hellam 1924-2008

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NILES Robert C. Hellam, 84, 729 Youngstown Warren Road, died at 2:10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, in the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Mr. Hellam was born April 21, 1924, in Worthington, Pa., the son of Floyd and Mary Peate Hellam.

He had been employed by several area contractors as a heavy equipment operator as a member of the Union Local 66. A true ''Jack of all Trades," he was skilled in carpentry, as an electrician and plumber. He was a World War II veteran of the Marine Corps, and obtained the rank of sergeant.

He enjoyed fishing, and was an animal lover, once raising Siberian huskies. An avid reader of Western novels, he most enjoyed, appreciated and loved the time spent with his family.

Preceding him in death were two brothers-in-law, Edward Shahaden and Wesley Preston.

Mr. Hellam is survived by his family, which includes his wife, the former Vivian Jo Snyder, whom he married Sept. 4, 1949; a son, Kurt D., and his wife, Martha, of Howland; a daughter, Karen A. Rossi, and her husband, Glenn, of Vienna; two brothers, George ''Ted'' (Bea) Hellam of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and Larry (Joan) Hellam of Austintown; three sisters, Alma Shahaden of Niles, Lois Preston of Howland and Virginia (Robert) Loveless of Buhl, Idaho; a stepsister, Marge Alexander, of El Paso, Texas; a sister-in-law, Virginia Johnson, of Kittaning, Pa.; and two grandchildren, Shannon (Eric) Kellerman and Christopher (Angela) Hellam.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Robert P. McDermott Memorial Home, 614 Warren Ave., Niles, where private services will be held Wednesday with the Rev. Cynthia Klingemier officiating.

Entombment will be in Crown Hill Burial Park, where Mr. Hellam will be recognized for his veteran service by the Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard on Wednesday.

(special notice)