John Mitchell Blazavich, 92, of rural Marion Center and formerly of Clymer died Friday, October 11, 2013 at the Indiana Regional Medical Center. He was born in DuBois on October 26, 1920 to the late Alexander Blazavich and Mary (Pluto) Blazavich.

On March 26, 1946 he married the former Mary M. Fair, a marital bond that remained for 67 years.

John was a coal miner for 40 years with the R & P Coal Company. He started his career as a young teenager and worked until his retirement in 1976. He held a membership with the UMWA for more than 70 years.

During his years in Clymer, he belonged to the MOOSE Lodge and the Slovak Club. He was also a longtime member of the Church of the Resurrection.

At home he enjoyed working on cars and tinkering in his garage. He liked following dirt track races and going to the Marion Center Speedway. John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. When he was younger he also enjoyed square dancing with his wife, Mary.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children: Carolyn Deem & husband, Randy, Clymer; Barbara Meese & husband, David, Marion Center; and John Blazavich, Jr. & friend, Patty Kellar, Indiana. His surviving grandchildren are: Karrie Procopchak, Mt Vernon, OH; Scott Adamson, Alexandria, VA; Rebecca Hightower, Delaware, OH; Lisa McCoy, Marion Center; Meri Woods, Clymer; Michael Blazavich, Greensburg; Steven McCracken, Indiana; Terri Griffith, Marion Center; David Blazavich, Marion Center; and Nicole Watkins, Clymer. There are 19 surviving great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Stanley Blazavich, Endicott, NY and sister, Anna Boyer, Clymer.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Edward, Joseph, Alexander and Paul Blazavich and his sister, Mary Sirochman.

Friends will be received Sunday, October 13th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Clymer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Resurrection, Clymer. Rev. Timothy J. Kruthaupt, celebrant. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.

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