Submitted by: Dan Rich

Anthony Joseph Blasko

Oct. 24, 1915 - July 18, 2004

South Bend Tribune 7/22/2004

Anthony J. Blasko, 88, of Trailwood Court, Granger, Ind., passed away following an illness at 12:03 a.m. Sunday, July 18, at Hospice House, South Bend, Ind.

He was born Oct. 24, 1915, in Chicago, Ill. On July 11, 1942, he married the former Felice Diliberto, who died in 1986.

He then married Jeanne Forte in 1988 in Mishawaka, Ind. She survives. He is also survived by a son, Anthony Blasko Jr. of Mishawaka; two stepsons, Lt. Colonel Jack ( Juanita) Celie of Maryland and Jeff (Cheryl) Celie of Mishawaka; a stepdaughter, Jill Celie Brenay of Mishawaka; four sisters, Helen Mandich of South Bend, Rosie Hall, Ann Petsovich and Mary Sweeney, all of Mishawaka; two brothers, Andy (Sandy) Blasko and Joe (Low) Blasko, both of Mishawaka; a sister-in-law, Bea Blasko of Mishawaka also survives with a godchild, Barbara Blasko; along with four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Mr. Blasko was preceded in death by four brothers, Mike Blasko, John Blasko, Frank Blasko and Charlie Blasko.

Mr. Blasko was a member of the Moose, the Mishawaka Eagles, V.F.W. Post 360 and St. Monica Catholic Church. He was employed by Studebaker Corporation many years ago and also the Blasko Brothers Construction Company. More recently he worked as a concrete finisher for the Mason and Concrete Finishers Union #101, and then with Terry Horein Construction for 10 years, retiring in 2000. Mr. Blasko was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. During a distinguished three-and-a-half years, Mr. Blasko, among other decorations, received the Bronze Star and the French Medal of Valor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Monica Catholic Church, Mishawaka. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka.

Burial will follow the services Friday at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

The family wishes to express their many thanks to the men and women of Hospice of St. Joseph County for the loving care offered Mr. Blasko and his family, and would appreciate any memorial contributions to be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County.