Richard J. Blongy

Richard Joseph Blongy, 92, of Rutland, passed away on February 18, 2022 at Rutland Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.  He was born on September 18, 1929, in Rutland, to Claude and Frances (Lajoice) Blongy.  Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce (Browe) Blongy whom he married on July 3, 1954 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington, VT. He is also survived by His son David (Joy) of Leicester, VT, his daughter Kathleen Blongy Bartenstein (Stephan) of Rutland, VT, his son Kevin Blongy (Sheri Kellogg) of Proctor, VT and his son Steven Blongy (Amy) of Meredith NH.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Dawn Pecor (Dale) of Peru, NY, Christy Blongy Jones (David) of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, Eric Larrow of Middlebury, VT, Megan Blongy of Manchester NH, Justin Blongy (Natasha) of Rutland, VT, Abigail Blongy (Ray Shortsleeves) of Pittsford, VT, Nicholas Blongy of Proctor, VT, Stephan Bartenstein II (Mary Marro) of Rutland, VT and Ryan Bartenstein of Rutland, VT, his great-grandchildren Reece Rice (Keoni) of NC and Zachary Crenshaw of Keeseville, NY. Great great-grandchildren Alina Rice and Amarya Rice.  Sheri’s daughters Jordan and Tara. Joy’s children Marla and Cale, and his former daughter-in-law Tina Blongy.

His family, especially his grandchildren, filled him with pride and he reveled in all their accomplishments.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his granddaughter Sabrina Blongy Larrow and many family and friends who we know welcomed him with open arms.

Richard was a proud 1947 Graduate of Rutland High School.  He received his Golden Diploma in 1997.  He wore many hats during his career, he spent years working at Howe Richardson Scale Company as a timekeeper and Machinist before joining the US Postal Service.  He worked for the Postal Service for more than 35 Years as a Carrier, Carrier Supervisor and as a Postmaster in numerous locations, retiring as Postmaster in Bomoseen, VT in 1995.

Richard loved his family, his country and his community.  He served in the VT Army National Guard and was a Proud member of the 40 ^th Army National Guard Band for 24 years.  The friendships he made lasted his lifetime.  He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 31 in Rutland where he worked the Bingo and ran the Booster Club to help the club.  He was a life member of The Elks lodge 345 in Rutland. Richard was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus 232 of Rutland as well.   He also was on the Committee for the Loyalty Day Parade where he lined up judges as well as assisting with lining up participants.  He was devoted to the Boy Scouts, chartered to the Boys Scouts of America for 75 years spending the majority with Troop 120 from Christ the King, serving in many roles and helping form many young men’s lives.  He was proud to see one son (Steven) and two grandsons (Stephan II & Ryan) attain the rank of Eagle Scout in this troop.  Richard learned to ski at Pico Mountain alongside his friend and Olympic Medalist Andrea Meade Lawrence gaining his love for the sport and leading him to serve for 36 years on the Otter Ski Patrol at Pico.  This is where he taught his children to ski.  Richard was an usher at Christ the King Church and enjoyed giving back to his Church community.  He served many years as Athletic Director for Christ the King School raising funds to improve the facilities and then moved to be very active in the Parents and Friends Club at MSJ, serving as its President for many years.  During this time, he was instrumental in raising funds for the school through Bingo and many other undertakings. After his Retirement he also served on the VT State Guard and Citizens Emergency Response Team serving Southwestern Vermont.  Richard was an early member of the Southwestern Vermont Federal Employee Credit Union, now the Credit Union of Vermont, serving for over 50 years on numerous boards and committees.

During their 67 years of Marriage Richard and Joyce enjoyed spending time with family and friends, their weekly Skip-Bo get togethers and they also traveled to see family and friends out of State and enjoyed a beautiful trip to Hawaii.  They loved being together and seeing their family prosper and grow.

The Family would like to thank their “Special” Neighbors Cindy & Nick Sinos and Eric Peterson for all their assistance and support.

Calling Hours will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday February 23, 2022 at the Clifford Funeral Home, 2 Washington St Rutland, VT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Christ the King Church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday February 24, 2022. A reception will follow the funeral service.

Burial will be held at a later date in St Joseph Cemetery.

The Family requests that visitors please wear masks to services for the safety of everyone.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Mount St Joseph Academy Parents & Friends Club, c/o MSJ, 127 Convent Ave, Rutland, VT 05701 or Christ the King Athletic Association, 66 So. Main St, Rutland, VT 05701.

Arrangements are by Clifford Funeral Home.