Born on February 22, 1934, in Cuba, he was a son of Donald L. and Mouvreen Childs Shelley. On April 4, 1953, in Cuba he married the former Onalee C. Cummins, who preceded him in death on May 31, 2009.

John was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1951. He then served in the United States Army from 1955-57.

He began his career in the drafting department of Clark Brothers in Olean, and while employed there, he attended night school at St. Bonaventure University for liberal arts courses. From there he attended night school at Alfred State College to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in vocational education. After receiving his degree in 1967, he was immediately hired by Alfred State College to teach drafting until he retired in 1994, after 26 years of service.

John was a member of the Friendship American Legion Post 1168 and served on the Village of Cuba Board from 2005-2008. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, bird watching, his family and especially his grandchildren.

Left behind to cherish his memory are a son, Lindsey (Mereda) Shelley of Randolph; 3 daughters, Lynn M. Ivey of Olean, Lori (Guy) Mann of Cuba and Lisa (Steve) Ackley of Laurinburg, NC; 10 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren; 2 sisters, June O’Dell of Lakeworth, FL and Aletha Stearns of Canisteo; several nieces and nephews; devoted friend, Joan A. Kottwitz of Cuba; and his dog Lacey.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a brother Donald C. Shelley and a son in law Robert L. “Bob” Ivey.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 6-8 P.M. and on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. until Noon at which time funeral services will be held. Claudia Little will officiate. Military honors accorded by members of Friendship American Legion Post 1168 will conclude his funeral service Wednesday.

Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, New York.