Obituary of George L. Blessing

CANASTOTA . . . George L. Blessing, 94, of Edmeston, and formerly of Belleview Drive, Canastota, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 16, 1928, in New Berlin to Rudy and Thelma (Sutton) Blessing and brother to Harriet (Kenneth) Guinn. George spent his early years in New Berlin and graduated from New Berlin High School in 1946. George moved to Canastota in 1951, and to Edmeston in 2000. He was extremely proud to have been a Veteran of World War II, serving overseas with the U. S. Navy on the Aircraft Carrier USS Leyte. Attending memorial parades and the music of marching bands brought George to attention every time. He was a graduate of CCBI (Central City Business Institute) in Syracuse, with a degree in business. After working in commercial construction for 30 years with various area contractors, George owned and operated Blessing Custom Carpentry with his son, Jeff, from 1982 until he "retired" in 2002. In truth, George never retired. He spent countless hours lending his woodworking and construction talent to community projects and helping family, friends and neighbors in need. George is best known for his generous spirit and willingness to lend a hand. He was happiest building furniture to give to family and friends. Saws, hammers, and nails were his way of letting you know how much he loved you. He married Maxine E. Miller on November 22, 1951, in New Berlin, N.Y. They raised two sons, Jim (Carol) of Averill Park and Jeff (Laura) of Oneida. Sadly, Maxine passed away on October 8, 1994. George was twice blessed in marriage. On November 4, 2000, he married Dolores (Carey) Miller in Edmeston, and two families became one. Dolores kept George on his toes, put a spring in his step and a sparkle in his eye. Fourth of July and Thanksgiving celebrations at their home were annual and lively events with George manning the grill or carving the turkey and ham. George had a great sense of humor, which he passed on to his boys. No one could make George laugh harder than his sons. Besides being a supporter of his grandchildren's sporting activities, he was an SU Basketball and NY Yankees fan. In addition to Dolores, Jim and Jeff, George leaves behind three step-daughters and two step-sons-in-law, Melissa (Michael) Bouton of Cooperstown, Melania (Keith) Woodbeck of Garrattsville, NY, and Melinda Zupan of Canastota; five grandchildren, Ryan Blessing, Devin Blessing, Kyle Blessing, Jessica Blessing, and Jennifer Blessing; six step-grandchildren, Evan Bouton, Mitchell Bouton, Amanda Woodbeck, Zachary Zupan, Andrew Zupan, and Elizabeth Zupan; one great granddaughter, Lana; as well as several nieces and nephews. A devoted husband, an exceptional father and grandfather and a trusted and loyal friend, George Blessing was the salt of the earth. He will be greatly missed. The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of Bassett Hospital and Helios Care for their kind and compassionate care of George in his time of need. There will be no formal calling hours. Friends and relatives wishing to visit with the family are welcomed to do so at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The service will immediately follow at 12:30 p.m. The Pastor Arthur Klingler, Pastor of the Edmeston United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial, with Military Honors, will be in Lenox Rural Cemetery, Canastota. A luncheon will be held for friends and relatives at the Three Pines Restaurant, Canastota, following the burial. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Garrattsville Rescue Squad, 4413 State Hwy 51, Garrattsville, NY 13342, or to the Edmeston United Methodist Church, 3 North Street, Edmeston, NY 13335.