Richard Donald Blass, age 64, of Donation Road, Waterford, died Thursday, December 29, 2011 at his home. Born in Erie on July 2, 1947, he is the son of Geraldine M. Chase Blass of Waterford and the late Donald E. Blass.

Blass, Richard DonaldRich graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School and then served in the United States Navy from 1965 – 68. He earned his Degree in Agriculture from Penn State University and worked for 22 years at Mattocks 5M Milling in Waterford, retiring earlier this year as the manager. He also had worked at the Erie-Crawford Dairy Co-Op.

Rich was an avid NASCAR fan and was most proud of his work with the Waterford 4-H program. For many years, he enjoyed assisting the young people in 4-H with raising their animals and preparing the animals for judging at the Waterford Fair. His knowledge and easy-going personality is what gained Rich many friends.

In addition to Rich’s father, Donald E. Blass, he is preceded in death by his grandparents: Bert and Inez Chase, and Adam and Beryl Blass.

Family members that survive include his mother, Geraldine M. Blass; a brother, Gary D. Blass and his wife Denise of McKean; a sister, Bonnie L. Christopher of Geneva, OH; a nephew and three nieces: Ryan Christopher, Kelly Amos, Stacy Whyte, and Stefanie Blass; three great-nieces and nephews: Christopher Amos, Ashley Amos, and Gaevin Sanders; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Monday, January 2, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm and may attend the funeral service there on Tuesday at 11:00 am. Rev. Lee Pomeroy, pastor of Summit United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to Summit United Methodist Church, or the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, or Great Lakes Hospice.