Gary E. Blass

Gary E. Blass, age 72, of 560 Mill Grove Road, Catawissa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born in Bloomsburg on August 22, 1949, he was a son of the late Ralph L. and Betty Marie (Adams) Blass. He was a lifelong resident of Roaring Creek Township and a 1967 graduate of Southern Area High School. He grew up on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work and dedication to his family that he would carry with him throughout his life.

Gary joined the U. S. Army and proudly served his country as a member of the 1st Airborne Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War.

He worked on construction before following in his father’s footsteps by becoming a truck driver. He enjoyed touring the country from the seat of an 18- wheeler.

Gary was an avid reader, a talented bowler, and a skilled pool and poker player. After his retirement, he enjoyed working in the garden, grilling a good steak, watching football and NASCAR, napping with his cats and dog Jake, and beating his friends and family in any card game.

He loved starting the day with a cup of coffee at Woody’s and spending evenings with his wife and friends at the Catawissa VFW Post 8306. His sense of humor and generous grin will be missed by many.

Surviving is his loving wife, the former Susan Marie Rossi, with whom he observed their 48th wedding anniversary on April 6, 2021; a daughter Heather, wife of Colby Dove, of Carlisle; two brothers: Glen L. Blass and Marty Blass and his significant other, Roxy, all of Catawissa; a sister, Audrey M., wife of Jeffrey A. Crone, of Bloomsburg and several nephews and nieces.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Michael J. Crone Scholarship Fund, c/o First Columbia Bank & Trust Co., 279 Columbia Mall Drive, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg.

Condolence messages and photographs may be posted at: www.krinerfuneralhomes.com