Michael James Bloss

Bloss, Michael James
BALLSTON LAKE - Michael James Bloss passed away suddenly, on March 13, 2025, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of love, guidance, and quiet strength.
Mike was born in Syracuse, to James and Claire Bloss. He was the oldest of five rowdy kids. He broke in all the hand-me-downs for his brothers, who proved that suspenders can fix everything. He proudly paved the way for his sister and three brothers as they grew. He attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, Bishop Grimes High School, where he participated in football, wrestling, and lacrosse, and later graduated with a degree in Applied Science from SUNY Morrisville. While attending Morrisville, he pledged Kappa Delta Sigma Fraternity and served as Corresponding Secretary and President. Mike relocated to the Capital Region, and began his career with the State of N.Y. Mike retired after serving as an Assistant Director of IT at the Department of Labor, with over 35 years of service. In retirement, he spent much of his free time on the golf course with friends from his life and two golf leagues, where together they experienced many laughs and even a few flashes of brilliance.
While in the Capital Region, Mike met the love of his life, Patricia Ripley, and they were married in 1983. Pat was the Patlet to his Piglet, and they affectionally referred to each other as Baber. They spent 42 wonderful years together. Over the years, they forged lifelong friendships, took many trips, and experienced a beautiful life together. They raised three thriving children: Kait, Allison and Kevin. While raising the kids, Mike served the Clifton Park and Shenendehowa community as a member of the Shenendehowa Community Coalition, Captain volunteer, youth soccer and lacrosse coach, and wrestling official.
Mike was an exceptional father. "Paj", as he became affectionately known by his children and their friends alike, was always there - on the sidelines of sporting events as coach or spectator, at band concerts, and school dances. Later in life, Todd and Nicole joined as in-laws, whom he loved as if they were his own children. Paj was a steady guide through any crisis. "Stick with me kid; you'll be alright." He was always imparting wisdom and coaching tactics that his children will carry with them for the rest of their lives. A man of few words, but always wise, his lessons included: Gravity wins, every time; don't be sorry, be smart; and always pack the toolbox last.
Mike became a grandfather in 2016, and was bestowed his most treasured name, "Pa", by Evan James. Shortly after Evan followed Lila Marie and Mia Claire. His grandchildren loved spending time with their Pa. With a renewed sense of youth, Pa was back on the floor, teaching the babies to crawl, playing lacrosse in the kitchen, spinning in the teacups at Disney, visiting the circus and the zoo, and completing morning puzzles. Being able to witness this chapter of his life was an honor and a blessing, and the memories will be treasured forever. Mike's chapter as Pa was too short, but tremendously special.
Second only to his family came the Elks. Mike was initiated as a member of Clifton Park Lodge #2466 in February of 1977. Since that time, he demonstrated his leadership and commitment to Elkdom in many ways. He served as an officer starting in 1978, the same year he was recognized as Elk of the Year. Mike served as Exalted Ruler in 1982. He continued in various officer roles at the Lodge and District from 1983 through 2009, serving as State Vice President in 1988, and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 1991. Mike was recognized as Officer of the Year in 2005, received the Grand Exalted Ruler's Award at least four times, and was elected to Honorary Life Membership in 1999. Most notably, Mike was honored to be the N.Y.S. Elks Association President in 2010. Mike has also been a leader at the District and State Association levels, having served many years on the State Advisory Board as a State Chairman of the Community Activities, Emergency Education Grants and Business Practice committees, among other roles. Recently, Mike has been a driving force behind New York State Elks Camp Bristol as a founding donor and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Outside of the pomp and circumstance of the lodge and his various leadership roles, he was always there keeping things running (sometimes literally). A staple member of almost every team, but especially in the kitchen, doing what he loved. He made countless friendships at the lodge that were invaluable to him. The memories, stories, and guidance he shared will certainly live on for generations to come.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Pat; daughters, Kait Bloss and Allison (Todd) Brown; son, Kevin (Nicole) Bloss; and grandchildren, Evan and Lila Brown, and Mia Bloss. He is also survived by siblings, Barb (Joe) Hulbert, John Bloss (Lisa Sardinia), Peter (Ann) Bloss, and Thomas (Nancy) Bloss; sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan Ripley, Thomas (Ema) Ripley, and Mary (Cliff) Harris; and many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, James and Claire Bloss; his in-laws, Nelson and Catherine Ripley; and his brother-in-law, John Ripley.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville, N.Y. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor his memory. Calling hours will conclude with a memorial service by the Clifton Park Elks at 6:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, N.Y.
Immediately following the Funeral Mass, friends and family are invited to gather for a reception at the Clifton Park Elks Lodge #2466, 695 Mac Elroy Road, Ballston Lake, N.Y. All are welcome.
Interment will follow in the spring, at Jonesville Cemetery, where Michael will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New York State Elks Camp Bristol in his honor. https://sites.google.com/view/nyelkscampbristol/support-camp/donors
For online condolences, please visit glenvillefuneralhome.com