Eugene W. Bloxsom, Sr

WWII Navy Vet, Special Olympics Volunteer

Eugene “Gene” W. Bloxsom, Sr, 90, died January 20, at New Milford Hospital. Born on February 23, 1920, in Bridgeport, the son of Eugene and Sara Struber Bloxsom, he was the eldest of three boys. He was a former resident of Bridgeport and Newtown, and spent his later retirement years in Southbury.

He is survived by ten of his eleven children and their spouses, Patricia Chappell, Susan Bloxsom, Kathleen Bennett, Michael Bloxsom, Eugene Bloxsom, Jr, Sara Strickland George Bloxsom, Nancy Massicci, Thomas Bloxsom, and Elizabeth Bloxsom. Mr Bloxsom is also survived by 13 grandchildren. Mr Bloxsom was predeceased by his son, Timothy, and granddaughter, Sara Bloxsom.

A proud Navy Veteran of World War II, Mr Bloxsom served on the USS Sims that was sunk six months to the day after the start of the war, with only 13 of the 250 men on board surviving. Mr Bloxsom also served in the Battle of the Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign. While serving on the USS Guadalcanal they captured a German submarine after forcing it to the surface. That submarine is now exhibited in Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Mr Bloxsom was a production engineer for 25 years at Sikorsky Aircraft. After retirement he continued to work and drive a bus for developmentally challenged children for nearly 20 years. He also trained as a paramedic, pursued drawing and painting, and was a Special Olympic EMT volunteer for many years. An avid athlete, Mr Bloxsom remained active throughout his life, swimming, biking, scuba diving, and weight training. At the age of 80 he was by far the oldest competitor in a three-mile road race. He was also a voracious reader, cherished his dogs, and could never go a day without cookies, ice cream and/or both.

A memorial gathering will take place at The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Saturday, January 29, from 1 to 3 pm. In honor of the deceased and the family’s wishes, family and friends wishing to pay their last respects are asked to wear casual clothes. No suits or ties, please. Mr Bloxsom will be laid to rest at The Newtown Village Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes: there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying: and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” —Revelation 21: 4-5

“Goodbye Gene. Your family wishes you everlasting peace and joy.”

The Newtown Bee      January 28, 2011