John Schellhase, 89, of Bedford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 27, 2018.

Born in Camden, New Jersey on January 30, 1928. He was the son of the late George H. and Lillian F. (Bell) Schellhase.

He was raised in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania and educated at Upper Darby High School, graduating in 1946.

Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during World War II as a member of the occupying forces of Japan. He was honorably discharged in December of 1947.

Upon his discharge, he attended Gettysburg College, earning his bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Economics.

Mr. Schellhase began his career 43-year career with Liberty Mutual Insurance and retired as the Chief Underwriter in 1994.

He had lived in Bedford since 1971, enjoyed sports and was a founding member of the men's basketball league and worked as a volunteer and coach in many youth sports.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Pauline C. (Sweigart) Schellhase, in 2001 and his sister, Elizabeth Dowd and brother, George H. Schellhase, III.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Leslie Hansen and Scott of Westfield, John W. Schellhase and Barbara of Drexel Hill, PA and Betsy Gale and Kenneth of Holden, his grandchildren, Lianne Raposo, Michael Hansen, Brittany Quinn, Matthew, Shauna, Craig and Erin Gale and his great grandchildren, Tyler Raposo, Jaydin and Jacob Murphy.

Funeral service will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Monday, February 5, at 10:00 AM.

Visitation at the funeral home on Sunday, February 4, from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Interment will be at Shawsheen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Baystate Health Foundation, Attn: Hospice Care, 280 Chestnut St., Springfield 01199.