George F. Blett

George Franklin Blett III (1948-2024)
George Franklin Blett III passed away on November 23, 2024, surrounded by family at Geisinger Medical Center.
He was born November 20, 1948, in Sunbury, Pennsylvania to Evelyn Knauer Blett and Ralph L. Blett. George was a graduate of the inaugural Shikellamy High School Class of 1965 and played fullback on that year's Eastern Conference Champion football team. He married his high school sweetheart, JoEllen Beck, who preceded him in death in 1975.
His professional career began at Branch Motor Express in Milton, Pa. and he worked in various HR and Vocational Rehab positions throughout the 80's. George was late to begin his journey in higher education, but once he got started, he went all the way- he earned a bachelor's in human services from Springfield College, a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from Assumption College and a Ph.D. in education from Penn State University. He later was on faculty in numerous professor positions at Penn College in Pennsylvania, University of Hartford in Connecticut, and Florida SouthWestern State College. George took pride in counseling, guiding and mentoring the many young people he encountered over the course of his career.
He was a member of the Point Township Fire Company in Northumberland and a free and accepted Mason, Eureka Lodge 404.
George was passionate about sports and having been raised in Central PA- an avid Penn State and Phillies fan. He coached little league baseball, (go Norry Red Sox!) and applied his coaching skills on his children and their friends his entire life. He inherited his father's love of raising and competing in beagle field trials, they produced several Field Champion hounds. He found solace and peace in hunting and fishing with his brother Hern, "Big Tom" and his nephews and sons. Some of his most memorable years were spent living in Maine and tracking deer and smallmouth bass with his beloved springer spaniel, "Patrick". Post retirement he lived in Ft Myers, Fla. and enjoyed golf, as well as time with his family at Gateway Country Club and the waters and parks of Southwest Florida. He loved cheering on all four of his sons in their sport endeavors and later in life- his grandchildren.
George cared deeply about loved everyone around him, always willing to give advice and guidance- when asked and sometimes when not asked. He was a deep thinker, great listener and the voice of reason for all his family members. He could sit around having a "Ginger B" and chat about the outdoors, politics and especially- education, for as long as anyone would want to join in.
George is survived by his siblings, Ralph (Lorraine) Blett, Judy (Raymond) Sporar, Debbie Blett; his children, Michael (Mary) Blett, Steve (Trisha Rohrbach) Blett, Alicia (Chris) McCormick, Dimitri and Spiro; his grandchildren Kyla Jo (Sheldon) Vanatta, Lea, Les, Jackson; his great-grandaughter Brynlee Jo; and his wife, Kristi Moran Blett. He also is survived by many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, all who have benefited from his kindness and love.
He is preceded in death by both his parents, Ralph and Evelyn, his wife JoEllen, and his nephew Kyle.
A viewing will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Sat. November 30, 2024 at the Joseph W. Epler Funeral Home, 210 King Street, Northumberland where Funeral services will begin at 1:00pm with Rev. Andrew Weaver officiating.
Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Northumberland.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you think of George and make a donation to a local animal shelter, rehabilitation facility or Veteran's group.
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