John H. Blenis, Jr., a very much loved husband, father, grandfather and son, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday July 1st at the age of 56. John was born in Norwich and grew up here, graduating from Norwich High School. He then went on to MVCC and earned a degree in graphic design. Upon college graduation, John returned to Norwich and married the love of his life, Theresa. John worked in graphic design for both Victory Markets and DCMO BOCES before founding his own screen printing business, Fineline Graphics. John quickly became Norwich’s beloved screen printer, serving his community and donating countless hours and goods to organizations in this area. He later started his Etsy online business, where he sold his unique and creative designs to customers around the world. John gave to the community in many ways, including 15 years served on the Chenango Blues Fest Board, 12 years as a Civil Service Commissioner and serving on the Colorscape Board. He was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Parish for over 30 years and was always willing to contribute to school functions and other community events. In addition to his community involvement, John loved taking vacations near the ocean, listening to music, especially The Grateful Dead, his dogs, Lucy and Eddie, and his family most importantly.
John was predeceased by his father, John H. Blenis, Sr., his brother, James Patrick Blenis, and his mother and father in law, Rose and Donald Coleman. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Theresa; his daughters, Jessica (Erin) Shapley-Blenis, Shannon (Steve) Koehnken, and Gabrielle (Dan O’Reilly) Blenis; his grandson, Finn Shapley-Blenis; his mother, Charlotte Blenis; his sister, Lee (Mike) Tucker; and his brothers in law, Stephen Coleman, and Mark (Patricia) Coleman.
A Catholic mass for John will be offered at 10:00 am on Monday, July 8, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, 74 E. Main St. Norwich with Fr. Ralph A. Bove officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St. Norwich. Donations in John’s name can be made to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich and the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org
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