Obituaries/Viewings
Joseph P. Bleggi | 72
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Joseph P. Bleggi, 72, of 810 Cardinal Road, St. Marys, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021, at UPMC Altoona Hospital, after an illness of the past several months.
He was born May 12, 1949, in St. Marys, son of the late Leo L. and Agatha Daniels Bleggi. He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Public High School, Class of 1967, and he attended the University of Pittsburgh. Joe worked as an Erie Insurance commercial claims adjuster, retiring in 2012.
On January 23, 1981, in the St. Mary’s Church, Joe married his wife of 40 years, Mary Anne Garner, who survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Jenna Hawk and her husband Joshua of Indiana, PA; two sons, Justin and Jordan Bleggi, both of St. Marys; his granddaughter, Lyla; two sisters: Ann Bauer and her husband Wayne of St. Marys, and Jane Finn and her husband Charles of Annapolis, MD; and by his brother, Donald Bleggi and his wife Marcia of St. Marys.
Joe was a member of the St. Mary’s Church. In addition to his work as an adjuster, he was a skilled carpenter and was meticulous about the care of his home. Joe was an avid reader and he enjoyed fly fishing. He was an active member of the Bavarian Hills Golf Course, volunteering his time when needed, and was also instrumental in the building of Playland at Memorial Park. Joe was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.
There will be no visitation.
Funeral and committal services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Women Who Care, c/o the Elk County Community Foundation, PO Box 934, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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Mary Ann and Family – So sorry for your loss. I remember Joe from our high school days. He was quiet but had a fun-filled and good heart. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Bleggi was my (our) GO TO friend. If you had one, you understand…and were blessed.
What ever was needed, Joe was there. No matter what zip code that I was calling from, I could always rely on Joe B.
The memories are boundless. March Madness bell to bell, Sunday night drunk club, Pitt/Penn State football, Pitt basketball, hitting 5 irons from Mona beach. We coined the phrase…”Nobody had more fun than us”..and we were right.
Work hard, play hard. When it was time to get serious, no one was more effective and impactful than my friend Joe. When my back was to the wall on a major home edition, Joe was there with toolbox, nailing apron…Let’s go to work.
Joe passed a week ago today. It has taken me this long to hold it together enough (barely) to write this remembrance. Friends like Joe should not be permitted to leave.
Mary Ann, Justin, Jordy, Jenna…whatever you need, whenever you need it…You come to us first.
When’s tee time pal…let’s play 36. Tell Marty to just take the entire bag (of clubs), tell Frank “Not to forget.” …Low net…you bet…
Until we meet again my friend….
Alan and I are so sorry for your loss.
Alan and Ginny Laird Schneider
It is difficult to lose a brother. I find myself looking back over the years with many memories. I will miss you Joe and will connect with your wonderful family over the years.
Love you,
Jane
I’m so very sorry to see that Joe has passed. I assisted Joe with his claims while working at Erie Ins. You really needed a good sense of humor and a great attitude, Joe had it all. He made the my job brighter! Sending you my sincere sympathies at this incredible difficult time. Godspeed on your next journey Joe.
I’m very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Joe for many years. He was one of a kind. My deepest condolences.
Sonia Esfahbodirad
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Bleggi family!
My brother Dana & I will greatly miss Joe at the annual St. Marys US vs Canada Ryder Cup matches at Bavarian Hills going forward! My brother & I had the privilege of competing against Joe & his partner Tommy Krieg for the last 12 years prior to the COVID-19 lockdown! Joe was a talented American gentleman golfer and a fierce competitor who made our annual trip from Meadowbrook Golf Club well worth the drive! Joe had a knack for treating us with respect & American hospitality while trying to outplay us year after year! Win or loose, Joe Bleggi was like the “Bobby Jones” of St. Marys golf club! A class act on every occasion! I am personally proud to have shared time with a talented humble gentleman golfer! I know he will be greatly missed! Mark McCullough
So sorry for the loss of Joe. Sending many prayers and thoughts to his family.
Roger and Paula (Bankovich) Ovell