Peter James Blakney Sr.

Peter James Blakney Sr., 83 years old, died 25 April 2008, at his home in Phoenix, Arizona. Peter was born 17 November 1924 to Francis and John Harold Blakney in Evanston, Ill. and moved to Verona, New Jersey in 1934. As a member of America's Greatest Generation he was a Sergeant in the 17th Airborne Division, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Company F. He saw service in the European Theater during World War II from December 1944 to January 1945, fighting courageously against Axis forces in the Battle of the Bulge under General George S. Patton. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat and the Bronze Star for valor in action against the enemy. Peter married Mary Pew Burton on 10 February 1950 in Verona, New Jersey and remained devoted to her throughout 58 years of marriage. As an active member of the community Peter served in numerous Director positions for the Eagle Rock Council, Boy Scouts of America, the Montclair Volunteer Ambulance Unit, the Montclair Counseling Center and as Special Gifts Chairman of the North Essex United Way Campaign. As a professional, Peter was an account executive for the brokerage firm owned by his Father-in-Law, Benjamin T. Burton, providing investment counseling to institutional and individual accounts. He was a Member of the New York Stock Exchange. At the Heard Museum, Phoenix, Arizona, Peter Blakney chaired the Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market, worked for the Guild Speakers Bureau, Heard Museum Curatorial and the Heard Museum Shop. Peter thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Civil War. He was an avid fly-fisherman and skeet shooter. He had a brief road rally career in Germany after the war. Peter was an accomplished model-maker, a competitive bridge player and held a private pilot's license for many years. He was also a devoted opera fan. He loved to cook and transferred this talent for cooking to his three sons. Survivors include his sons: Peter James Blakney Jr., wife Kathy, daughter Robin, son Andrew. John Christian Blakney. Thomas Glenn Blakney, daughter Daisy and son Erik. Greyhounds: (Devil's) Pawn, Over (Your Head), (Aquavit) George. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 15th at 1:00 PM. The service will take place in the Chapel of Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342. It will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Manning, Associate Pastor with Organist Dr. Guy Whatley. The family requests that anyone considering a donation please make it in Peter James Blakney Sr.'s name to the Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave. Phoenix AZ 85004. Arrangement by A.L Moore Grimshaw Mortuary.