Samuel Blonstein

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a cherished father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. Samuel “Papa” Gene Blonstein died Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the young age of 94. He was born July 28, 1927, in Rockville, the beloved son of the late Reuben and Lottie (Millstein) Blonstein. He graduated from Rockville High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served until the end of World War II. A number of years later, he met and married the love of his life, Lillian. They shared a beautiful life in Rockville. Sam and Lillian ran the original family business, Blonstein Fuel, which was a scrap metal yard, a coal business, and a fuel oil delivery service. Together they worked diligently to expand the business and establish, manage, and co-own Blonstein’s Camping Center. For many years, Sam refereed high school and college basketball and soccer games and umpired baseball games. Sam had two great passions in life. The first was his love for his children and grandchildren. He was always a cheering spectator at all of their activities. The newest member of the family was his great granddaughter, Lily, who brought him a new joy. Sam loved playing with his Boston Terrier grand dog, Jules, who he always affectionally called, “Mutt.” The second passion of Sam’s was being involved in service to his community. He had been a member of the Sphinx Shriners for 37 years. During that time, the Sphinx Shriners Motor Patrol members became like a second family to him. He served as captain twice and also as president. Sam joyfully watched as his son and grandson also joined the organization. The three of them often participated in riding the “little cars” in parades to raise money for Shriners Children’s Hospitals. Sam also had been a member of the Omar Shrine Club. He was proud to be a 70-year member of Fayette Masonic Lodge No. 69 and also belonged to other Masonic organizations including the Scottish Rite and the Trinity Chapter No. 9 of York Rite. Sam was a life member of the Rockville Elks #1359. He held the honor of being one of the longest continuous members of the CT Post No. 0014 of the American Legion. As a businessman, Sam had been a member and past president of the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce. He loved watching Red Sox games and rooting for the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams. Sam loved playing setback at the Vernon and Ellington senior centers, the Elks club or anywhere there was a game. He also enjoyed being the Bingo caller when he wasn’t playing it. Left to cherish his memory are his two devoted and grateful children: Sherry Bedore and Bart Blonstein, both of Vernon. Sam was the beloved and adored “Papa” to his grandchildren: Lindi Bedore, Weston Bedore and his wife Brittany, and Cailyn Blonstein and her fiancé Matthew Redding. He was also the great grandfather to Lily Bedore. Sam was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 joyful years. He was also predeceased by his sister Rosalyn (Nancy) Novgrad. The family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff at Manchester Manor and The Residence at South Windsor Farms for their compassionate care and for helping them through this difficult time. As we grieve that Papa is gone from our world, we rejoice that we had him for so long. His loving and caring spirit will live on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchild for generations to come. Papa leaves a void that no one can fill. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary at 640 Farmington Ave. in Hartford. Both a Masonic ceremony and an Elks ceremony will take place. A brief graveside ceremony will follow with full military honors at the Beth Olam Cemetery on Edith Rd. in South Windsor. His family will receive friends and relatives following the burial at the Bedore home at 159 Brookview Dr. in Vernon through Tuesday evening from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Services will be held at 7 p.m. each night. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sphinx Shriners Motor Patrol c/o Illustrious Past Potentate Weston Bedore at 97 Robertson St. in Bristol, CT 06010. For further information or directions contact Weinstein Mortuary. Please feel encouraged to leave a comment or memory on this page in the guestbook below.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sphinx Shriners Motor Patrol c/o Illustrious Past Potentate Weston Bedore at 97 Robertson St. in Bristol, CT 06010.

His family will receive friends and relatives following the burial at the Bedore home at 159 Brookview Dr. in Vernon through Tuesday evening from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Services will be held at 7 p.m. each night.