Harry Eugene Bliven, 83, of Ledyard passed away on April 28, 2018 at Mystic Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his wife and family. He leaves his loving wife of 49 years, Helen L. Bliven.
He was born March 19 1935 in New London CT. He was the son of the late Leroy and Julia Bliven. Harry entered the military from 1952 to 1960, serving in the National Guard, Air Force and Reserves. He began his career in February 1966 working for the Town of Groton Highway Department retiring after working for 26 years. He married Helen Lamb from Ledyard on August 24, 1968.
Harry is also survived by his son Eric and wife Carolyn of Lebanon, stepchildren Rosemarie and Bruce Garstka, David Jr. and Lori Burton, Alan and Cindy Burton of Ledyard and Gail Kelley and her late husband, Michael Kelley Sr. of Preston. He will be greatly missed by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Leroy Robert Bliven.
Harry was a Life Time member of the Sampson Air Force Base Veterans Association, Inc. He was also a member of the Tuesday morning coffee club for retirees. He loved fishing, playing cards and going out to eat with his family. His big passion was making his own fishing hooks, lures, weights and also making jewelry. He would make jewelry and sell it to Native Americans and to small area shops. Harry’s son Eric has a fond memory of his father sitting at the kitchen table watching the chickens. Dad said, “I like feeding and watching the chickens, but I don’t like eating chicken!” In Maine, when my father and I had lobster dinner at our family cabin, instead of lobster, he’d rather eat steak. That’s one of our annual family traditions that will be sadly missed. His favorite programs on TV were his western shows. He could watch them night and day, over and over. He had a passion for collecting knives. He enjoyed visiting and making pizza boxes for his friend Tony at Gold Star Pizza.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Sunday, May 6, at 11:00am at Lambtown Cemetery, Lambtown Road, Ledyard. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s name may be made to the Lambtown Cemetery Association, 166A Gallup Hill Road, Ledyard CT 06339 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with his family, please click the link below.