Harry R. Blakeley

1935 - 2025

The family of Harry R. Blakeley, 89, of Lower Burrell is saddened to announce his passing on Sunday, Jan. 19th, of natural causes. Born on Aug. 3. 1935, in Tarentum, he was the son of Raymond and Elsie (Smith) Blakeley. He was a Ken High graduate and a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Harry held a number of positions at multiple stores for the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. It was at the Parnassus A&P that he met Mary E. Campbell, a fellow worker that became the love of his life. After A&P left the Western Pennsylvania market, Harry worked for multiple companies including Cauley Detective Agency. He also returned to school where he graduated from Penn State University's Mine Mechanics and Electricians School. Working both hard and smart, Harry set a standard that brought a better life for the generations that followed him. Harry and his wife Mary raised their sons as active members of the Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God church in Arnold. There, Harry was a longtime leader in the Royal Rangers program, teamed with his wife to teach Sunday School, and later served as custodian. Harry was also a lifetime member of the Allegheny Valley Marine Corps League where he shared his son's vintage WWII Ford Jeep for many parades. Despite a challenging work schedule, Harry always found time to invest in his family sharing his interest in the outdoors and American history. Family vacations consisting of long road trips covering large swaths of America are now treasured memories. He often took his boys camping, hiking, and canoeing in the Allegheny River. Harry and Mary also traveled to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel in the mid-seventies. Harry was also an avid reader and very knowledgeable of family, military, and Alle-Kiski Valley history. His love of his wife and sons extended to his daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who he enjoyed entertaining with his unique sense of humor right up until the end. Harry is survived by his wife of 64 years; sons, Jeffrey A. (Randi) Blakeley, of Warren, Pa., and David S, Blakeley, of Lower Burrell; grandchildren, Kaitlyn M. (Christopher) Milano, of O'Fallon, Missouri, and Alexander R. (Lindsey) Blakeley, of Greenwood, Indiana; and three great-grandchildren; Gavin J. Blakeley, Blakeley G. Milano and one great-grandson to be named in the coming weeks. A celebration of Harry's life and legacy will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Marine Corps League Detachment 827 or the Real-Life Church in Arnold, PA, (formerly known as Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God). Arrangements entrusted to the Frank F. Gigler Funeral Home, Inc., Robert P. Karish, Supervisor, Lower Burrell. (724) 335-6500. www.giglerfuneralhome.com.