WILLIAM HENRY BLENKO JR., 94, of Milton, W.Va., passed away on Friday, February 5, 2016, at his residence. Born in 1921, he was a son of the late William Henry Blenko Sr. and Marion Hunt from the famous Hunt Stained Glass Studios. William attended Milton High School and was named valedictorian in 1938. He played on the Milton High School basketball team as forward and center at 5'11". He attended the prestigious Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was asked to join Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While there, he played intramural sports and played a big role in winning the intramural championship in basketball. When World War II began, he patriotically volunteered for the Army Air Corps and trained at Yale. He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant and was stationed to the East Anglia Air bases. William served at Honnington Air Field, England, and at Thetford, England. It was during this time in the Air Corps that he met Jeanne Margaret Deakin, of Oadby, England, who was in the Royal Air Force. They were married in Pittsburgh in 1946. William became the third generation to work at Blenko Glass Company in Milton, W.Va. He was a lifelong member of the VFW, the Lions Club, The Ceramic Society and was an avid Marshall sports fan. He became president of the Blenko Glass Company in 1969 with the death of his father. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Jeanne Deakin Blenko, his son William Blenko III, close friends Robert Stein of Chicago, Hinton Richmond, Hollis Griffith and Nestor Logan. He is survived by his son Richard and Marty Blenko and his sister-in-law Cathleen Cooper of Leicester, England. A private ceremony was held on February 8, 2016. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Hospice of Huntington. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.heckfuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Herald-Dispatch on Feb. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM BLENKO

Sponsored by CLOSED-Heck Funeral Home.

10 Entries

Wayne Husted

February 21, 2016

I first met Bill (Dude) in 1952 when I moved to Milton as Blenko's second designer from Alfred University. During my ten years at Blenko as Design Director, Dude was gracious, kind, and a great guy.

When I returned to Blenko (forty years later (for the first time) I sought his approval to work with the great Blenko craftsmen still there and create some new designs. Typically "Dude" Blenko rose above the cautious nature of other managers and so typical of his unassuming, gentle and generous nature, he just shook his head "Yes".

I spoke with him only a few weeks ago to get his advice on an inquiry from a Blenko collector. He confirmed that, as I recalled, there was a real social bond among glass factory owners, nevertheless he and his dad like most factory owners in my days at Blenko remained fiercely competitive. Rest In peace, Dude.

Wayne.

blake schaake

February 15, 2016

my wife and i met mr blenko while taking my father n law 3 different times to a 8th airforce reunion. we found him
a warm man. we since have become fond of blenko glass and visited their store 4 or 5 times. our condolences to the entire family.
sincerly blake & pat s

February 15, 2016

With fondest love and memories of Bill (Dude) from your UK family, Bill and Jeanne ( my mothers Sister) will remain in our thoughts always. Love to Rick and Marty during this difficult time. Peter & Jacquie xx

Tascha Farris

February 14, 2016

My late husband and I were blessed to be able to get to know Mr. Bill while visiting Milton. We got to know him at his home and were entertained for hours by his stories and his wit. Such a massive loss for the Blenko family and to all those with a passion for American art glass. Thoughts and prayers to all - my heart goes out to you.

Arlon Bayliss, Blenko Designer

February 14, 2016

Feeling privileged and grateful to have know Bill and for his contribution to the world of beauty in glass and the lives of so many. My thoughts and condolences to his family and loved ones.

Matt Carter

February 12, 2016

My thoughts are with Rick and Marty and the Blenko family during this time. The times I walked the factory floors with Bill are some of my fondest memories of my time at Blenko. Thank you, Mr. B.

A picture I took while at the factory while visiting for the WV Birthday event back in 2008.

Jim Heffner

February 12, 2016

It was a pleasure to have met Mr. Blenko during our visits to the Blenko factory. All of us from the Blenko Glass Collectors group on Facebook send our best to the family and all who will miss him.

February 9, 2016

Dear Rick & Marty -
Thank you for sending this lovely obit across the miles. May Bill rest in peace. Our thoughts are with you. K

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