Donald Eugene Blaney

Donald E. Blaney, age 82, of Morgan Twp., died Sunday afternoon at UH-Geauga Medical Center following a very brief illness.

He was born June 1, 1937 in Kinsley, KS, the son of Roy E. & Bertha (Fahlsing) Blaney and has resided in the Jefferson and Rock Creek area much of his life.  Donald was married to Patricia A. Harnist on April 21, 1956 in Angola, IN.  He retired in 2000 after 20 years as plant manager with Middlefield Container, now the Menasha Corp.

Donald was a member of the Western Reserve Car Club, the AACA (Antique Auto Club of America) and was one of the original EMT’s for the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Dept. Don was also a gifted professional  musician playing banjo and guitar for many years with several well known polka bands in the Cleveland and Youngstown area. He was a natural craftsman, a machinist, building many of the commercial machines at his place of work.  As a car enthusiast, he restored many automobiles, including the three antique cars he frequently drove and enjoyed!  As a professional woodworker he built both homes the family lived in and crafted many pieces of furniture for his family, including a complete bedroom suite.  Most of all he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; three sons, Ronald E. (Diane) Blaney of Canfield, Jerry L. (Barbara) Blaney of Anderson, SC & Rodney E. (Nicole) Blaney of Ashtabula; seven grandchildren, Caitlin (Alex) Botting, Ryan (Caitlin) Blaney, Christopher (Carrisa) Blaney, Mackenzie, Dustin, Joshua & Rylen; a great-grandson, Samuel Botting ; a sister, Grace Watkins of Greer, SC and two brothers, Kenneth Blaney of Eastlake & Carl (Linda) Blaney Bangor, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Lewis in infancy and Frank Blaney.

Private family services will be held with burial in Oakdale Cemetery.  The family suggests memorial contributions to the South Central Rescue District, 3100 U. S. Rt 6, Rome, OH  44085.  The Jefferson Home of Fleming & Billman Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson is honored to assist the Donald Blaney family.  To view obituary, express condolences or light a candle, visit fleming-billman.com.

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