ALTAMONT — Robert Allan “Al” Sholtes, an Army veteran and longtime Guilderland English teacher and coach, died at his home in Altamont on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. He was 93.

“He was born on Feb. 16, 1932 in Guilderland Center to Ida and Clyde Sholtes” his family wrote in a tribute. “He graduated in 1950 from Voorheesville’s high school where he was a three-sport athlete.

“After graduating from Colgate University in 1954 with a degree in English, he served in the Army for two years in Germany. He began his teaching career in the Guilderland Central School District where he taught for 32 years. He coached numerous sports teams highlighted by varsity baseball sectional wins.

“Al was a loving husband of 69 years to Joanne, a devoted father to five daughters, Beth Sholtes (Peter Simon), Lori Moore (Paul), Michele Connolly (Hal), Stephanie Sholtes (Joe Schaefer), and Stacey Snyder (Curtis).

“He was a proud grandfather to Kevin Connolly (Cate), Sydney Engel (Sam), Natalie Moore (Pete), Leann Garnelis (Jeff), Cassie Hoffman, Will Connolly, Jason Hennessey, and great-granddaughters Alice and Audrey Garnelis. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Porter, and her family.

“A special thank-you to Community Hospice and especially to our nurse Erin Nickel who felt like a member of the family.”

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Family and friends are invited and may visit with his family in the Fredendall Funeral Home at 199 Main Street in Altamont from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. at Helderberg Reformed Church in Guilderland Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helderberg Reformed Church, Post Office Box 196, Guilderland Center NY 12085 or to The Community Hospice at communityhospice.org.