Thomas “Tom” Blumish, age 83, of Erie, passed away Friday, October 23, 2009 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born May 3, 1926 in Rice’s Landing, Pa., a son of the late Nicholas and Ann Rachel Blumish. He had resided in Erie for over 50 years.

Tom was a U.S. Army veteran who had served in WWII. He had fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart medal. He had been employed by ADT Security for 35 years prior to his retirement. Upon his retirement, Tom had taken a job as a courier for PNC Bank. He enjoyed this position and had retired from it after 16 years of service.

He was a member of St. Patrick R.C. Church. Tom had also been a member of the Lawrence Park Fish Club. His passions in life included spending time with and caring for his beloved family, fishing and organizing his annual “fish fry”.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Timothy and Tom, Jr.; and six brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Shirley M. Conley Blumish; four children, Betty Ann Rose (Ronald) of Harborcreek, Coleen Brigham (Daniel) of Erie, Kris Blumish (Susan) of North Carolina and Paul Blumish (Margaret) of Erie; a stepson, Paul McKahan (Debbie) of Ohio; two daughters-in-law, Joni and Diane Blumish; one brother, Paul E. Blumish (Joan) of New Jersey; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road on Sunday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a Prayer Service there on Monday at 1:15 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick R.C. Church at 2 p.m. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery with full Military Honors. The Blumish Family respectfully declines the gift of floral tributes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice Services of Erie County, 2253 W. Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16506, Neighborhood Art House, 201 E. 10th St., Erie, PA 16503 or a Charity of One’s Choice. To send condolences, visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.