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In Memory

Ronald Blasko - Class Of 1961 VIEW PROFILE

Ronald Blasko

   

Ronald Dean Blasko

July 20, 1943 - Dec. 14, 2020

SOUTH BEND, IN -

Ronald D. “Ronnie” Blasko, 77, of South Bend, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020 of natural causes, at home with his beloved “Sharonski” by his side along with his mother's spirit guiding his way to eternal peace with the Lord our God. He was born July 20, 1943 in South Bend, IN to the late Stephen and Clementine (Kiemnec) Blasko.

Ron graduated from Washington High School in 1961 and enlisted in the Marine Corps that November. Ron served his country, here (USA) and abroad (Okinawa) receiving an Honorable (E-4) Discharge, in 1967. Utilizing the skill set he acquired and in which he excelled from Machinery Repair A, Class 9063, USNTC San Diego, CA, Ron went to work at the University of Notre Dame at the very beginning of the nuclear power plant project. He later was published in two separate articles for his contributions and assistance with these scientific research projects. Ron went on to teach in the Industrial Engineering Department at ND for over 15 years, while somehow managing to work in the Athletic Department at the same time. If that wasn't enough, Ron decided to start his own business, Ron's Machine Shop, and as the business thrived, Ron's tenure at Notre Dame came to an end. Ron's Machine Shop would continue to grow and prosper for 30 years. During those three decades, Ron forged many strong alliances with Jerry at Steel Warehouse, Jim at McCormick's, Mark at IMF, and always working with the engineering departments at ND machining custom parts for their industrial and research requirements. Ron's love for Notre Dame would transcend into yet another venture that was very special to him and would result in lifelong friendships, memories, and joy. He, along with Sharon, opened up their homes and hearts to hosting international ND professors, researchers, graduate students, faculty, and their families. Ron was so proud to say that we had hosted people from 15 different countries spread out from all over the world. From China to Romania, Italy to the Netherlands, Belize to Ireland, Israel to the UK. One country stands out above all others, Poland. Majek, Krysia, Jas, Kuba, and Joanna, he cherished your whole family and don't forget the “Jezynowka”.

Whether on his SeaRay, Headquarters, at Pier 1000 (MI), Monroe Street Harbor (Chicago), Bonita Bills (FMB, FL), or traveling in the “Little RV that could” to Red Coconut (FMB), Del Ray Beach, Bonita Springs, and Naples, Ron was in his element when he was on or near water (preferably warm) and he could control the narrative. As Patrick (Hick) Hickey, his decades long friend and 1st mate on so many trips across the Big lake, put it, “Ron is Ron”. Of all the things Ron enjoyed, the most, almost to a fault, was parking cars and sharing our homes for Notre Dame football home games. Oh, the stories everyone has of Ronald out there “parking”. He looked forward to meeting up with the “guys” with whom he had made lifelong friendships; you knew you were “in” when he would blow up your phones at all hours for whatever reason that popped into his head. Thank you for being there for him. Without your interaction, this obit would have been written years ago. A special shout out to St. Joseph County Police “ND Football” detail officers, Mike Banicki and Randy Rodriguez for your years of friendship and for actually caring about Ron, he loved you guys; and to Dan at Dan Berry Insurance, thank you.

Ron is survived by his loving partner/fiancé, Sharon; daughter, Amanda Lynn Blasko (Alex); the country of Georgia; brother, Robert “Bob” Blasko; his children, Chelsea (Jason), Carla, Tiffany, and Michael (Becky); along with great-nieces & nephews, cousins, etc. Ronnie is also survived by his beloved best friend of over 65 years, Michael (Chris) Murray, with whom he had countless “adventures” over the years. Michael, you guys had a great run together, not many friendships endure over six decades. Love you. Patrick “Hick” Hickey, his 1st mate, parking guru, and Chicago “Irishman”, Lee Svete, his ND sidekick and protégée for many years, Kelly (Carrie) Ullery, with whom Ron had a “creative “friendship, and last but not least, his best “girlfriend” Adrienne (T) Simpson, with whom Ron had a special bond that went on for over 35+ years, so many great memories we have together, peace and love. A heartfelt thank you for all the love and support I have received from Ron's doc, Dr. Afyouni, Michelle, his nurse, The University of Notre Dame (Mike Hastings), St. Joseph County Police Department, the Carrico clan, and most important, to my son, Justin Michael, for without your love and support during this time, I would not have survived. Ron is so proud of you.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time. A memorial will be held at a later date when the Covid-19 restrictions allow. ST.JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to HeartoftheNation.org (TV Mass) or The Humane Society of St. Joseph County.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 10, 2021.

8/25/2021 EJS



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