Robert E. Blankenburg

Robert E. Blankenburg, 81, of Southington, husband of Marilyn Veley Blankenburg, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011 with his family by his side. Born Nov. 13, 1929 in New Britain, he was the son of the late Emil and Margaret Slaney Blankenburg. He was a former New Britain resident, and a Plainville resident for 35 years, before moving to Southington in 2003. He graduated from New Britain High School in 1947. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a musician in the Navy until 1952. He graduated from Hillyer College in 1958 with an Associate in Science Degree. He was formerly employed at Timex. Upon retiring in 1988, he began his own desktop publishing business. He was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church in Plainville, where he served as president of the Church Council. Robert enjoyed music and played alto saxophone in the Plainville Wind Ensemble, where he served as secretary of the Board of Directors. He also played with Dick Santi's Band. He loved woodworking, vacations at the beach, gardening, and many good times with family and friends. He was a loving husband, wonderful father, and the best grandfather to his five grandchildren. Throughout his illness, he kept his sense of humor. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn Veley Blankenburg; three children, Michael Robert Blankenburg and his wife Laura of Plainville, Kathy Joanne Hartford and her husband Steven of Southington, and Steven Richard Blankenburg of Farmington; a brother, Alan Blankenburg and his wife Pat of Berlin; five grandchildren, Erich Blankenburg, Taylor Blankenburg, Rachael Cipollone, Chandler Hartford, and Katherine Hartford; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Blankenburg of Berlin. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 PM at Zion Lutheran Church, Southington, followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 PM at church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charily of the donor's choice in Robert's memory. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.