George E.  Blantin

George E. Blantin, 82, husband of Irene (Ripich) Blantin of Aunt Park Lane, Newtown, died April 25 in Danbury Hospital.

Mr Blantin was born in Danbury May 23, 1920, son of the late George and Ida (Drake) Blantin.

A resident of Newtown for more than 50 years, Mr Blantin was an electrician employed by Kimberly Clark Company in New Milford until his retirement in 1965.

Mr Blantin was a veteran of World War II, serving as a master sergeant in the Pacific Theater including service in the Philippines and New Guinea. Following his discharge, Mr Blantin served in the Connecticut National Guard until his retirement in 1959.

Mr Blantin was a member of the Connecticut State Police Auxiliary, a former Newtown Justice of the Peace, a ham radio operator, gun dealer, and locksmith. Mr Blantin took flying lessons and became a licensed pilot.

His son, Warrant Officer Eric G. Blantin, helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, was killed in action. Following the Vietnam War, the Charles Howard Peck VFW Post #308 was co-named the Charles Howard Peck-Eric Blantin, VFW in his honor.

Besides his wife, Mr Blantin is survived by two daughters, Diane White of Goshen and Mary Blantin of Watertown; twin sisters, Norma Blantin and Wendy Frank; three grandchildren, Michael, Maryanne and Erica White; and one stepdaughter, Belinda Oliveria of Bethel.

Funeral services were held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

The Newtown Bee        May 2, 2003