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.
Rich 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.
Aunt Gerry,
I am so sorry to hear about Richard. I wished we could have seen him last summer when we were back in Erie.
Love,
Ron & Phyllis
i will always remember rich as the soft spoken guy who sold me ducklings and duck food year after year @5m, later to find out that he helped my brother and nieces with their 4h steer…rich was a friend to everyone out here in waterford and he will be missed by all. no doubt he is reaping his rewards of being such a kind and caring guy. i can still hear his ‘hi tess’ as i walked through the door 🙁
Dear Aunt Gerry, Gary, Bonnie and families,
We are so sorry for the loss of Richard. We love you all very much and wish we could be there for support. Your are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Derwood, Cheri and Jamie Brady
We are so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. We had lost contact after moving to Tennessee. Rich kept his horse at our home for a number of years. We had many great conversations during his visits. Rich was a hard worker and usually very easy going. I remember when he won the “Little International” award while attending Penn State. He certainly deserved it.
In Rich’s quiet way he touched a lot of lives. He didn’t choose to be in the lime light, but he surely did a lot behind the scenes to benefit others. The positive memories we have of Rich will be with us forever. May God comfort you during this difficult time.