Gerald William Blakeslee

2009 Inductee

Gerald William Blakeslee was a longtime community businessman and leader. First and foremost, he was a great husband and father. He was morally sound and of good conduct. He was a role model as a father and a very loving grandfather. He owned and operated the Blakeslee Furniture Store in Union Township for over 35 years. He was very active in all sporting events that occur in the Union City area. He annually sponsored the Cross Country Banquet, sponsored Little League teams, and made numerous donations to many of the clubs and programs at Union City High School. A highlight for Bill came in the 2003-2004 basketball season when he got to witness his grandson take part in Union City's first District 10 Championship in basketball for the first time in 30 years. The basketball program at Union City was instrumental as a form of medicine during his long bout with cancer.

In 2001 Bill received Union City's highest honor when he chosen as Union City's Citizen of the Year. He was also a long time member and past President of the Evergreen Cemetery Association for over 30 years. He was a member of the Eureka Lodge #366 Free and Accepted Masons of Union City. He was a 33rd degree Mason as well as being active in the Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Erie, and the Zem Zem Shrine Club. He served as chairman of the Union Township Municipal Authority and served one term as President of the Union City School Board.

Some of Bill's other interests included being a member of the Union City Lions Club, 6-20 Investment Club, an active member of the Lincolnville Baptist Church, and his yearly hunting trip to Colorado with family and friends. He was also involved in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the National Rifle Association.

His proudest accomplishment was the celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary to his loving wife, Carolyn, in August of 2006. Bill Blakeslee passed away on May 5, 2007 after his seven year struggle with cancer. Through his entire illness he maintained a positive outlook and never spoke a negative word. He is sorely missed by his family, friends, and the community that he loved.