Robert 'Bob' Earl Frair

1944 - 2022

Robert 'Bob' Earl Frair

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa. - Robert "Bob" Earl Frair, age 77, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Saturday (Feb. 26, 2022).

Bob was born on April 26, 1944, to Herman and Content Frair, in Olean, N.Y. After Bob graduated from Oswayo Valley High School, he was drafted by the U.S. 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 U.S. Army until 1971.

During his service, Bob received 29 Oak Leaf Clusters for the Air Medal. He participated in more than 750 aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. He received two 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 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, N.Y.

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; 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; 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, Pennsylvania 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; twin sister, who is 42 minutes younger, Roberta Woodard; 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 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday (March 4, 2022) at Guenther Funeral Home. Military funeral honors ceremony, and burial at the new Maple Grove Cemetery in Shinglehouse, following the funeral service.

Flowers or condolences may be sent to 51 S. Main St., Portville, NY 14770.