John Edward Shelhart, 67, of New Milford, PA, passed away on December 29, 2023 following the recent diagnosis of an advanced, aggressive cancer, at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, NY.

A livestreamed memorial service celebrating his life will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday January 27, 2024 at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 44 Main Street, Binghamton, NY, the Reverend Glenn Mahaffey presiding. Join the memorial service online at: https://youtube.com/@TrinityM…

A light luncheon reception will follow at the church. Arrangements were carried out by Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home of Binghamton.

John was born on July 14, 1956 in Toledo, Ohio to Robert E. and Kathryn G. Shelhart. He graduated from Watertown High School in Watertown, CT in 1974. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Education degree in Music in 1978 and pursued post-graduate studies in vocal performance at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana before moving to New York City.

He had a distinguished career with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, both as a member of the opera chorus and in numerous featured roles, for many years before retiring from the organization. He performed as a professional vocalist at New York City churches and other venues before, during, and following his tenure with the Met, and performed roles in regional opera companies before and after his career there.

John had many interests and was above all a lover of animals, music, and the conservation of nature. Growing up in Ohio, Michigan, and Connecticut, John’s many pets ranged from guppies and turtles to a horse named Hepzibah. In adulthood he rescued numerous feral cats and raised varied livestock on his property in New Milford. He supported many local animal rescue and veterinary services in northeast Pennsylvania. John traveled extensively with the Metropolitan Opera touring Europe and Japan. He also greatly enjoyed nature touring, camping, and hiking in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park / Appalachian Trail as well as in the western United States and Alaska. In latter years John also became active in the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

John Shelhart was preceded in death by his father, Robert Edward Shelhart and mother, Kathryn Gene Shelhart, of Brentwood, TN; and sister Kathy Gene Shelhart of Harrison, NY.

John is survived by many friends and by his sister, the Reverend Susan Shelhart of Hauppauge, NY; brother Mark Shelhart of Nashville, TN; niece Nina Shelhart Sayers of Brooklyn, NY; and nephew Michael Shelhart Sayers of Centereach, NY.

You may wish to make memorial contributions to any of these organizations which enjoyed John’s support during his lifetime:

The Nature Conservancy ▪ National Audubon Society ▪ National Wildlife Federation ▪ National Resources Defense Council ▪ National Park Foundation ▪ World Wildlife Fund ▪ The Humane Society ▪ Best Friends Animal Society ▪ The UN Refugee Agency ▪ Planned Parenthood ▪ No One Left Behind ▪ Environmental Defense Fund ▪ Farm Sanctuary

The Shelhart family extends sincere thanks to and encourages you to consider supporting:

▪ The Wright Center for Community Health, Scranton, PA, where John received comprehensive health care and support

▪ Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, Binghamton, NY, where John found a church home and beloved community

▪ The American Cancer Society

▪ Luke’s Hidden Haven, Ulster, PA, an animal sanctuary specializing in older dogs who are bereaved or abused, and those needing veterinary care for abuse, accident, or birth defect who would otherwise be euthanized. John’s beloved dogs Bella and Willey have been re-homed there and will be spending the rest of their lives together.

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