Gerald A. Blassage

Gerald A. Jerry Blassage, 67, Rockford, died at 5:45 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2009 in Swedish American Hospital following a sudden illness. Born February 12, 1942 in Aurora, son of Albert F. and Anna Balcunas Blassage. Rockford resident since 1966. Married Marcia Hammar in Rockford on August 8, 1985. He received his Bachelors Degree from Loyola University in Chicago and his Masters of Social Work from Washington University, St. Louis. Jerry was employed by the Rockford School District No.205 since 1966. He was a school social worker from 1966-79; chief social worker 1979-94; and home school counselor until his retirement in 2000. He had written a grant that was funded by the Illinois State Board of Education for at risk adolescents residing at local emergency housing facilities. He had also successfully planned a middle school at-risk program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Jerry was an all around good guy. He was a loving husband, great father, dedicated grandfather, and a very devoted friend. He had a big, loving heart and he continued giving even in his death through organ donation. Survivors include his wife, Marcia; children George (Trisha) Blassage, Monroe Center, Mark (Tara OLea ry) Blassage, Rockton, Peter (Kathie) Blassage, Cherry Valley, Cricket (Jonathan) Powell, Brooklyn, NY, Amy Blassage, Lisle and Matthew Langoussis, Rockford; grandchildren, Tyler Blassage-Funk, Austin, Aiden and Alyssa Blassage, Mikaelyn, Jensen, and Cooper Blassage, Emma, Elliot and Alexandra Powell and Aubreyana Langoussis. Also survived by his sister, Joyce (Kent) Danciger, El Paso, TX; niece Julie Merlich, San Diego, CA and his very special dog, Luna. Predeceased by his parents. Jerrys family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff in the CCU of Swedish American Hospital, especially Kim, Katy, Beth and Dr. Wallace for the compassionate care they gave to him and his family. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2009 in the Cathedral of St. Peter with the Very Rev. Kenneth Wasilewski officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and from 10:00-10:45 am at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.