Shinglehouse, PA- Robert “Bob” Earl Frair, age 77, of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away on February 26, 2022.
Bob was born on April 26, 1944, to Herman and Content Frair in Olean, NY. After Bob graduated from Oswayo Valley High School, he was drafted by the United States Army on April 21, 1965.
He served in the 175th Aviation Assault Helicopter Company, which was part of the one-armed helicopter platoon having eight gunships known as the “Mavericks”. He was a Crew Chief and Door Gunner of Maverick 23, a UH-1B Huey Helicopter. Bob was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in 1965 and served with the Army until 1971.
During his service, Bob received twenty-nine (29) Oak Leaf Clusters for the Air Medal. He participated in more than seven hundred and fifty (750) aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. He received two (2) Purple Hearts for being wounded in the left forearm and right leg during military operations against a hostile force. Bob also received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, and two (2) Soldier’s Medals for heroism for not involving conflict.
Not long after his service, Bob worked and retired as a machinist for Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, NY. He was a member of The Grand Lodge of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Lodge No. 1580. Bob was very active and was a member of other organizations, including the Elks Lodge of Olean, NY, American Legion Post 530, Olean Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, VFW Post 1619, Fraternal Order of Eagles of Bradford, PA, Italian American Progressive Club Post 0228, Christopher Columbus Club of Olean, NY, and Potter County ATV/UTV Club.
Bob enjoyed spending time with his pets and being outdoors as much as possible. He liked tending to his garden at his home, watching the birds and deer feeding in his yard and fishing locally. He loved going for rides to Kinzua Bridge to watch the fish, Benezette to see the elk, PA Grand Canyon for the overlook, Cross Forks for the snake hunt, and Slate Run where he lived as a kid, but always knew where the closest ice cream shop was. Bob loved to live his life the way he wanted to, and even had his own funny phrases that he’d use often. Bob would likely say he was feeling “finer than a frog hair split about 10 ways”.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Herman, his mother, Content (Tarr), and his sister, Anna Gustin. He is survived by his brother, Phillip, and twin sister (who is 42 minutes younger), Roberta Woodard, as well as his longtime companion, Penny Siebert, children, Brian Siebert, Brianna Siebert and Lynette Davis, and several beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
A viewing and funeral service will be held on Friday (March 4, 2022) at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., S. Main Street, Portville from 11am-1pm. Funeral services will begin at 1pm. Military Funeral Honors ceremony and burial at the new Maple Grove Cemetery in Shinglehouse, PA will follow.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.