PVT Karl J. Sellner, U.S. Army
May 12, 1993 – September 11, 2016
Karl grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his six siblings. Inspired from a young age by his grandfather, John Alden, he developed a lifelong passion for the performing arts. At eight, he began attending Hope Academy of Music and the Arts in the evenings and on weekends. The Academy offered music, dance, and theater classes to local children and quickly became a place where his creativity thrived. He took part in numerous productions and embraced every chance to grow, both artistically and personally, in its nurturing environment. As a teenager and young adult, Karl became an accomplished guitarist and a gifted songwriter. Beyond the arts, he loved the outdoors, particularly camping and fishing. He was also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After graduating from Career Connections Charter High School in 2012, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served four years and deployed to Africa with the 977th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, out of Fort Riley, Kansas.
Karl’s life ended on September 11, 2016, after a struggle with bipolar disorder. His spirit and talent left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. In his memory, the Karl Sellner Memorial Fund was established at Hope Academy to support young artists in theater, dance, and music. His legacy lives on through his wife, Shelby; his parents, Erin and Rad; and his extended family, friends, and comrades who love and miss him.
