Robert J. Shang III

Lt. Robert J. Shang III, 47, of Amsterdam, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2026 at St. Mary's Hospital.

He was born on August 2,1978, in Amsterdam a son of Robert J. Shang Jr. and Debra Iwanski Shang. Rob was a lifelong resident of Amsterdam and a graduate of Amsterdam High School Class of 1995.

Rob was a dedicated public servant through his work as a firefighter, paramedic and 911 dispatcher, selflessly and continually serving his community. Always striving to improve, he pursued ongoing training and certifications throughout his career. Rob was currently employed for the Montgomery County Sherriff's Department and has been a 911 dispatcher for the past 27 years. He recently retired from the City of Amsterdam Fire Department where he worked for 21 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant in January 2024. The bonds with his Firefighting and Law Enforcement family ran deep, and he treasured and genuinely enjoyed the time he spent with each and every one of them.

He began his career in public service first working for the former Greater Amsterdam Volunteer Ambulance Corps (GAVAC). He was also a Supervisor for the Johnstown Volunteer Ambulance Corps (JAVAC). After retiring, Rob continued his public service joining the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, where most recently he served as Second Assistant Fire Chief.

Rob was many things-genuine, loyal, selfless, and incredibly funny-but above all, he was a family man. He treasured spending time with his children, whether it was watching them play sports, enjoying summer fireworks or working side-by-side together on a project; what mattered most was simply being together. He took great pride in meticulously taking care of his property year-round, from meticulously maintaining his lawn to snowplowing for family, friends, and neighbors. Rob also loved taking long drives around the area, listening to music, sharing conversation, or simply enjoying the quiet.

Rob married Nicole Cornell Shang on May 3, 2019 in Tybee Island, GA. In addition to his beloved wife he is survived by his parents, Debra Iwanski Shang and Robert J. Shang Jr. of Amsterdam, NY. His beloved children, Thomas (Abby) Lyons Shang of Johnstown, NY, Ashlee R. Shang and Alena "Nuggy" G. Shang of Amsterdam, NY. His dear brother, Michael (Alison) Shang of Fonda, NY. Nephew, Lucas and niece, Natalie of Fonda, NY, who affectionately referred to Rob as "Uncle Knuckles". He is also survived by his uncle, Richard Iwanski of Amsterdam, his aunt and Godmother Roberta Iwanski of Amsterdam, and mother to Thomas and Ashlee, Jill Cebula, as well as many cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday March 31, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Rose & Hughes Funeral Home, 200 Church St. Amsterdam. A Final Farewell Ceremony and Salute with Last Call will be held at 1:00PM Tuesday at the Amsterdam Fire Department, 10 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY. All first responders and departments are invited to attend and be present at this ceremony along with family and friends of Lt. Robert J Shang III. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Carnesville Volunteer Fire Department or to a charity of ones' choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rose & Hughes Funeral Home, 200 Church St., Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please visit Rob's tribute at www.roseandhughesfh.com.