Pres was born December 1st, 1934, in Metuchen, NJ to William and Virginia (Allen) Bliss. He grew up in Aurora, OH, graduating from Aurora High School in 1953, and Miami University (Oxford, OH) in 1957. At Miami University he spent 4 years in NROTC and served in the armed forces, retiring as a Captain with the US Marine Corp. Pres married Ann Sparrow in 1959 and they had 3 children prior to divorcing. He later met and married the love of his life, Marge Bliss, and they relocated from Monclova, OH to Fort Myers in 1982. He was an award winning industrial machinery salesman for over 40 years, working at Columbus Equipment Company (OH) and then Linder Corporation (FL) until his retirement in 2010.
Affectionately known as Pres “Tiger” Bliss, or “Papa Bozo” to the grandkids, Pres loved his family and friends. No one was a stranger to Pres with his gung-ho, and infectious enthusiasm. He lived a life of service; coaching champion little league and JV football teams for 12 years and was very proud of his team winning the National Pop-Warner football championship in 1976. He volunteered for Lee County Sheriff’s VOICE and was a dedicated Mason, Shriner, and Jester for over 40 years. A natural leader, during his lifetime he served as President for several organizations, including the Shriners. He served on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Florida Utility Contractors for 15 years, where his passion was to raise money for scholarships and organize benefit events.
Pres was a lifelong athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball at Aurora High School; he was drafted into the AHS and Portage County Sports Hall of Fame in 1982. At Miami University, he played twice in MAC Championship football games and earned numerous accolades, including honorable mention All-American. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1957, but never played a game due to injury. He was an avid golfer, racquetball player, and enjoyed working out until his death.
Pres was preceded in death by his parents, Sister Virginia Mason, daughter Kathy, son Kevin, and granddaughter Kelsey.
Pres is survived by his loving wife Marge Bliss, daughters Dawn (Jim) Burgard, Krista (Kent) Stevenson, and son Lance Bliss, brothers William (Lynn) Bliss and Robert (Judy) Bliss, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
A memorial visitation will be held for Pres on Saturday, June 3rd from 2-4pm, followed by a celebration of life service from 4-5pm at Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers, FL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to First Congregational Church of Naples (https://www.naplesflchurch.com/give), Hope Hospice (https://hopehospice.org/donate/), or other charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kiserfh.com for the Bliss family.
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