OXFORD – John H. Blenis Sr., 70, of Oxford, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on July 17, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on July 2, 1941 in Norwich the son of John J. and Sarah (Abbott) Blenis. In St. Paul’s Church, Norwich in 1960 he married the former Charlotte Frink.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte of Oxford; his son and daughter in law, John H., Jr. and Theresa Blenis of Norwich; his daughter and son in law, Lee and Mike Tucker of Huntersville, N.C.; his granddaughters, Jessica Blenis, Shannon Blenis and Gabrielle Blenis; his sister, Beverly DiThomas of Columbia, S.C. and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son James Patrick Blenis and his sisters, Joanne Raynor and Nancy Farrell.
John was a 1941 graduate of Norwich High School. He worked at Ellinwood Auto Parts following graduation, until starting a career with New York State Electric and Gas Co. in 1967 and retiring in 2001. He loved his family and enjoyed bragging about his granddaughters. He also loved his dogs. He was a member of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). He was a member of the Oxford Historical Society and enjoyed history and antiques. He was a devoted patriot of our country. He was known for his ability to build or repair most anything.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in South Plymouth Cemetery with the Rev. Allyson Ellis pastor of the Oxford United Methodist Church officiating.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815 or the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.
Condolences may be sent to the funeral home website at www.behefuneralhome.com.