William M. Blabey, 59, Purple Heart Recipient
William M. “Bill” Blabey, Jr., age 59, of Lorain, died Wednesday Aug. 26th, 2009 at Community Health Partners Hospital and Surgical Center following a sudden illness.
He was born in Lorain on Oct. 15, 1949 and remained a life-long resident of the city. Bill was a graduate of Lorain High School.
Mr. Blabey was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Viet Nam Conflict. He fulfilled duty assignments as a Sergeant attached to the Infantry. He held certification as a Sharpshooter and was the recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. He also received the National Defense Service Medal with two Overseas Bars, the Viet Nam Campaign Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Bill was employed as a teaming operator at Republic Engineered Products of Lorain and had worked in the steel industry for its predecessors for the past 36 years. He was a member of United Steelworkers Local # 1104.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Additional interests included cooking and spending time with his family. He also liked to travel and especially enjoyed trips to the Walt Disney World Complex in Orlando, Florida.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years Deborah (nee Nalepka), by sons William M. Blabey, III and Theodore (wife Jill) Blabey both of Lorain, daughter Patricia Sammon (husband Kevin) of Elyria, grandson Zachary Sammon, and by brothers Darrell W. Jones, Anthony T. Jones, and John A. Jones, along with sisters Dorothy J. “Dot” Jones, Gloria I. Spanfellner, Verna J. Pullins, and Crystal R. Davis.
He was preceded in death by his parents William M. Blabey, Sr. and Verna (nee Speed) Blabey, by brothers Thomas E. Blabey and David Jones, and by his sister Dorothy Jones.
Visitation will be Sunday August 30th from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel with Chaplain Sandie L. King officiating. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township where military honors will be conducted by the officers and members of Louis Paul Proy Chapter # 20 of the Disabled American Veterans.
The family encourages memorial contributions to the Viet Nam Veterans of America.
To leave on-line condolences please visit www.gluvna.net.