William M. BLODGETT Jr.

BLODGETT, William M., Jr.


William M. Blodgett, Jr., 89, of East Hampton died Thursday (April 4, 2013) at Middlesex Hospital. Born on June 4, 1923 in Racine, WI to William M. Blodgett and Adelaide (Docter) Blodgett and raised in Mayville, WI, Bill loved all things Wisconsin, including the Green Bay Packers, but he came to love New England too. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Margaret Hetzel "Margie" Blodgett of East Hampton - until the end they called each other "OAO" (one and only). They had many adventures together and lived in Wisconsin, Montana, New York and Illinois before settling in Connecticut to raise a family. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in food science and worked in the canning industry, later working for many years in sales for the printing industry (including 25 years at Waverly Printing in Portland). A World War II Army veteran, he was stationed at Avon Old Farms Convalescent Hospital where he worked as a rehabilitation instructor with blinded soldiers. This is where he met Margaret, who was playing piano and singing with a group entertaining the troops. Bill, a history buff who loved to read and was known for his dry wit, will be missed by his family and friends for his gentle manner and intelligent observations. Bill is predeceased by his beloved son, William M. Blodgett, III. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Melinda "Mindy" Blodgett and her husband James Turner; and his granddaughter, Margaret Adelaide "Addie" Turner of Hopkinton, MA; and his sister, Jayne (Blodgett) Murray of Mayville, WI; he is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews: Jayne Murray; Olivia Murray and James Murray and Susan; Joan (Rau) Ohanessian and Edward; Marye (Rau) Ruimerman; Fred Rau and Pamela; Andrea (Hetzel) Fratarangelo and Paul; Leslie (Hetzel) O'Connor and Charles; Jack Hetzel and Laurie; David Hetzel and Constance; Anne (Hetzel) Meyers; Michael Hetzel; Gail (Hetzel) Stone; Carla (Hetzel) Cooper and Mark Hetzel and Denise. The family expresses its gratitude to the people at Portland Care and Rehab for the loving care that was given to Bill while he made his home there.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday April 10, 2013 at 11 a.m. directly at St. Patrick Church, 47 West High St. (Route 66) East Hampton. Burial will be later at the family's convenience. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, has been entrusted with his arrangements. To send an online expression sympathy please visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make donations in Bill's memory to St. Patrick Church or to Xavier High School, Middletown, CT. http://www.xavierhighschool.org/s/952/start.aspx