Wednesday, February 19, 2020
/public-file/541/Ultra/af5e6616-8071-4bb3-969c-e013fc35faf1.jpg
/public-file/542/Ultra/fb781ced-7eba-414b-a0a0-c152e459f46f.jpg
/public-file/543/Ultra/7f64ee48-f4a9-4552-be4e-23e0a3ca5d7d.jpg
I had the privilege of being John's roommate for 3 of our 4 years at Miami. Over those years, we became great friends and our friendship carried over into our respective careers. We attended each others weddings (Ohio and Massachusetts) and would rendezvous whenever we were able over the years during business or vacation travel. We had numerous great experiences together over the years, some of which I'll relate below.
From the moment he met her at a fraternity mixer, Sharon was the love of his life. After that mixer, he told me "Roomie, I just met the woman I'm going to marry! " And the next morning he awaken me singing "I'm Getting Married In The Morning"! Of course, I dismissed it as the beers talking, but the rest is history, as Sharon was the best decision he ever made when they were married only a couple years later.
Blass was always generous and giving. I lived over 700 miles from Miami U, so obviously as an impoverished student, I couldn't get back to rural upstate NY very often. But Blass invited me up to his Euclid home numerous times where I was introduced to the infamous "Euclid Buds", about whom I had been frequently regaled with their escapades and adventures over the years. He was very proud of his relationship with the Buds and he treasured the friendships with those guys over the years. It was always great returning to school in the fall, as he would spend the first week back telling me about the summer happenings with the Buds and I'm sure a few of those stories were actually true!!
Some of our best times were simply going to "Uptown" Oxford for the cheap Thursday night pitchers and camaraderie with the frat brothers. And with his exuberant, vivacious personality and prolific story telling, Blass was typically the life of the Uptown parties. We could always count on a great time when Blass was with us for our socializing!
And it was Blass who coerced, prodded and coaxed me into becoming Miami U's last Hiawabop mascot. (He could talk anybody into anything!) Of course, he was also the one who talked me into wrestling in the annual inter fraternity tournament for 2 years even though I had no wrestling experience. (Being 20 pounds heavier, I think he just enjoyed tossing me around the mat as we practiced!!) And no one but Blass could have convinced us to run out onto the field after a NE Patriots game in Foxborough in the late 70's/early 80's!
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting his kids, they can be very proud of their Dad and how he was loved by those who knew him personally and professionally. I cherish the time we spent together over the years and the great experiences we shared at Miami and afterwards. I will never, ever forget your Dad and my very good friend!
RIP, Blass and thank you for our friendship and all the lives you touched. I will never, ever forget you and the important role you played in my life!
DON ORLANDO
LIBERTY HILL, TX.
