Obituary of Vermont W. Blakeslee

Vermont W. Blakeslee, 84, of Ashville, NY and Arcadia, FL, entered into his eternal home in Heaven on Thursday, December 16, 2021 following a brief and sudden illness. Vermont was a born-again Christian who loved his Savior and his family wholeheartedly. He was born on August 28, 1937 in Killbuck, NY to Floyd and Irma (Housler) Blakeslee. Vermont graduated from Chautauqua Central School in 1957. Soon after graduation, he and his high school sweetheart, Sally Louise Keefe, eloped and married on October 25, 1957. They lived in Panama, NY and raised five children while he worked as the produce manager for Super Duper in Lakewood, NY for many decades. He also worked at Brigiotta's Farmland Produce in Jamestown until his retirement. He was a member of Panama Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he served as a deacon for much of that time. He and his wife were youth leaders for many years and he also enjoyed helping with Awana. Vermont cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was a hard worker who was always happy to lend a helping hand. While he will be greatly missed, his family is comforted in knowing they will be reunited with him someday in Heaven. Vermont is survived by four children: Dene (Pamela) Blakeslee of Ashville, NY, Holly (Mike) Clark of Panama, NY, David (Karen) Blakeslee of Cumming, GA, and Amanda Durnell (Wendell Mihalek) of Kalamazoo, MI; fifteen grandchildren: Nathan (Jessica) Blakeslee, Aaron (Madeline) Blakeslee, Evan and Megan Blakeslee; Jacob (Amanda Frankson) Clark, and Caleb (Jacqueline) Clark; Ryan (Tiffany) Kuenzi, Richelle (David) Walston; Virginia, Avery and Ben Blakeslee; and Collin, Allisandria, Jadon and Holden Durnell; nine great-grandchildren: Colton Clark, Myles Clark, Madeline, Clara, Henry and Oliver Kuenzi, and Liam, Sophie and Sadie Walston; his brother, Otis Blakeslee and three sisters, Cloie Eddy, Leila Armstrong and Nina Farris; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Besides his parents, Vermont is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Sally Blakeslee; his daughter, Amy Kuenzi; and two sisters, Dianna Tobin and Meda Seekings. A celebration of life in Vermont's honor will be held at a later date in the spring/summer of 2022. The family suggests memorial contributions in Vermont's honor be made to Panama Baptist Church, P.O. Box 188, Panama, NY 14767; or Calvary Baptist Church, Highway 70, Arcadia, FL 33266.