1947 - 2021
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Surrounded by family and friends, Bruce W. Blaschke of Lowell, MA, passed away at his home on January 4, 2021 after a long illness. He was born in Waterbury, CT on February 21, 1947. Bruce was the oldest child of Walter J. and Ruth (Sturgeon) Blaschke. He attended Bristol Public Schools and graduated from Bristol Central High School in 1965.
Having worked his way through college as an orderly at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lowell, MA, he graduated from Lowell Technological Institute in 1971 with a BS in Chemistry. Between 1971 and 1976 he studied Respiratory Therapy and Nursing at Northern Essex Community College. Then returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital to work in both fields. While working at St. Joseph’s, he met his wife, Helen (Weilbrenner). They would have been married for 50 years this coming June.
Bruce also worked as Koch Membrane Systems for 18 years until the lab closed. At that time, he returned to UMass Lowell and received his master’s degree in Education. He taught Chemistry at Lowell High School until his retirement in 2009.
He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Chelmsford, a past president of the Friends of the Pollard Memorial Library and a member of the Billerica Chess Club. In a perfect world, Bruce would have been a professional student. He loved books and always said, “Lifelong learning is so important”. This was a concept that he tried to pass on to his children, grandchildren, and students.
Bruce loved to read, listen to classical music, and watch old TV / movies, bike and fish. His greatest love was running after his grandsons and following their sports activities.
He is survived by his wife, Helen, his son, Erik Blaschke and his wife, Jennifer (McCluskey), of Lowell, MA; his daughter, Kathryn Saba and her husband, Adam of Tyngsboro, MA. The lights of his life (grandsons), Andrew, Evan and Jack Blaschke; a brother, Brian Blaschke and his wife Kathy of Vero Beach, FL; a sister Ruth Paradis and her husband Rene of Bristol, CT; and his sister Lillian Franco and her husband Rick of Williamstown, PA. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Ruth and his brother, Mark.
The family wishes to thank all their friends and family who helped keep Bruce at home during his illness. Thanks to Merrimack Valley Hospice for their constant care and concern during this difficult time. Extra special thanks to Bruce’s Hospice nurses, Elena, Nancy and Social worker, Wendy. We couldn’t have done this without you all.
At Bruce’s request, there will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions can be made to:
Merrimack Valley Hospice
360 Merrimack St.
Lawrence, MA 01843
Friends of the Pollard Memorial Library
401 Merrimack St.
Lowell, MA 01852
Or
Trinity Lutheran Church (Building on Our Legacy)
170 Old Westford Rd.
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Steven Kennedy
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Helen, many hugs to you and your family. I know it’s been a long journey but so many blessings to remember along the way. Peace and strength to you in the coming days.
Fran and Dave McCarthy
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Dear Helen
So sorry your loss, we know that he has been sick for a long time
But we want to send you our sympathy and love
Donna Burke
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Helen and family, I am sorry for your loss
Paul Parise
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Helen and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I know Bruce endured his illness with grace and courage.
Tony Bogyo
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Helen – on behalf om my entire family please accept our deepest condolences. Both you and Bruce fought his decline in health with much grace and courage and we wish you peace and strength at this difficult time.
Gail Angellis
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Erik, Helen, and Family,
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. My thoughts, prayers and condolences for all of you as you navigate this difficult time. May the light of his love hold you in comfort.
Penny Lacroix
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Helen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
((hugs))
Penny & Dan
Jon Soule
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Helen,
We are so, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Jon & Laura
Ray Loszewski
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I am truly saddened to hear about Bruce’s passing. I’ll always remember the fun times we shared at Lowell Tech and then reliving those fond memories with our profs and classmates at “The Gathering” on the 1st Friday of each month. My sincere condolences to Helen and family.
Joyce Emerson
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Dearest Helen, You are both a source of great inspiration to me. Your devotion to eachother and ability to continue to touch others with your light is remarkable. Sending hugs for peace and strength as you move into this new phase of living. Love to all.. ..Joyce
Rebekah Thatcher
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It was a pleasure getting to know you the last year; what a wonderful partnership you had with your husband. God be with you all as you mourn your loss, remember his life, and celebrate his joining with God and end of all suffering! Peace be with you ❤️
Leslie Whiting-Poitras
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Helen and family,
We were saddened to see Bruce passed but glad you were able to support each other and keep him home. You are amazing! What an incredible and accomplished man. Wishing you God’s peace in this time. Leslie, Artie and Tim
Janet Smith
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My heartfelt sympathy to you Helen and your family on your sad loss of Bruce. You remain in my thoughts and prayers especially at this difficult time. With God’s peace, Janet Smith
Bernie Battle, Jr
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I am so sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing. Growing up, I remember Bruce a gentle man who was so smart, he was slightly intimidating. In recent years, my parents told me about his undeniable inner strength. Please know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Bev and John Faro
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Dearest Helen and family. We were saddened to hear about Bruce’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember the good times at McNally Dance Studio. ❤❤❤
Connie Jezierski
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Helen, so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Have you and your family in my prayers. Connie
Kevin Battle
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Helen and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing. I will always remember the smell of his pipe tobacco as he was reading a book when we would visit as kids. Also, he was the only person who could beat my father in trivial pursuit!
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs your way.
Judy Sommers
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Helen, and Family – I am so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a gentlemen and caring and I enjoyed teaching with you two. Peace be with you all. Judy Sommers
Susan O'Brien
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Dear Helen & family ~ Clint and I were very sorry to learn of Bruce’s passing. Hopefully, loving memories will ease your heartbreak and sorrow.
Dick Rohnert
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Dear Helen and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. I only got to know Bruce during Bible Study on
Monday evenings, but he was so interested in learning.