On the eve of his eighty-eighth birthday, Anthony “Cooper” Blaskiewicz fell asleep in thearms of the Lord. Born December 25, 1932, Anthony was the son of the late Anthony and Rose (Sawicki) Blaskiewicz.
Anthony graduated from Scranton Technical High School. He served honorably as a platoon sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Brunton. Anthony and Mary were married for 64 years and raised five children.
He was proud to live and raise his family in Avoca - where he was a prominent member of the community. He was a founding member of the Avoca Jolly Boys, a community group that provided recreational activities for the young people of Avoca and surrounding communities. He was also a member of the Avoca Community Choir and he served as President of the American Legion Post 607. Anthony was an active member of Queen of the Apostles Parish in Avoca where he previously served as President of the Holy Name Society. He loved his family, his community and his country.
Anthony served a distinguished 35 year career at Tobyhanna Army Depot, where he worked in the Machine Branch. He was a standout employee earning many awards throughout his career. His efforts substantially contributed to the image of Tobyhanna Army Depot throughout the region. After retiring in 1995, he went on to work at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral Services.
He was an avid fan of sports and athletics. It was a true joy for him to watch his children,and then grandchildren compete in various sports. He was a true supporter of local teams and was often seen in the bleachers at the area’s biggest high school basketball and football games. Anthony was also an athlete himself. He was an avid swimmer and a former District Diving Champion in his youth.
Anthony was preceded in death by his sisters, Romayne Brace, Shirley Kepic, May Lankowski, Mildred Dobrydney; and brothers, Eugene Blaskiewicz and Richard Turner, sister in law, Mary Brunton.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary (Brunton) Blaskiewicz; and his children Robert (Melinda), James (Bonnie), Thomas (Liz), Joseph (Mary Ann), and Ann (Bob); brother-in-law Tom Brunton and his grandchildren Kelsey Mitkowski (Josh), Lauren Collins (Mike), Meg Burke (Mat), James (Kelly), Mary Pat, Molly, Patrick (Marcie), and Julia. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Annabelle Mary and Milo Cooper Collins, Rosemary Burke, and Bennett and Samuel Blaskiewicz. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no calling hours. A private mass will be held at Queen of the Apostles, Avoca. Anthony will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Queen of the Apostles Parish, 715 Hawthorne Street, Avoca or Avoca Ambulance Association, 740 Main Street, Avoca, PA 18641
The family would like to thank Dr. Nicholas Chiumento and the staff of the Moosic Geisinger Clinic, as well as Llewellyn’s Pharmacy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Avoca.
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