He was the son of the late George and Mildred Blankenship of Waltham, MA. He is survived by his wife of 38 years Barbara Bendzunas Blankenship of Las Vegas, NV, sister and brother-in law Judy and Ray Burton of Plymouth, MA, sister-in law and brother-in law Mary Jean and John Battista of Oswego, NY, and several nieces and nephews. George was also predeceased by his mother-in law Augustina Bendzunas of Oswego, NY, and brothers-in law Ken Garrett of Plymouth, MA, and Joe Bendzunas of Syracuse, NY.

Growing up in Boston, George loved to take trolley cars as a child to shop for the best meats, fish and bakery goods at each of the specialty stores on his mother’s grocery list. He enjoyed talking with the vendors while being offered a free fish cake, sub or a pickle from the barrel. This natural gift of the gab would be his modus operandi throughout his life in Boston and Las Vegas. Keeping it real was his mantra and he would have a lively discussion with everyone he met.

George enlisted in the US Army in 1965 and was a combat veteran in the Northern Vietnam Highlands from 1966 to 1967. He would speak of how this was experience made him stronger and grateful for each day. His military experience reinforced his love of America and pride in fellow combat veterans. John Hancock in Boston was where George had a successful 30-year sales career, although his true passion was music. He was a walking encyclopedia of music trivia. When George and Barb moved to Las Vegas in 2001, it was an invigorating time as he enjoyed hundreds of concerts and meeting many artists backstage. Living in Las Vegas was also the perfect venue to joyfully entertain family and friends at favorite local restaurants.

Although another Veteran was called to report to the Commander of US all of February 13, 2023, he will also rest in peace at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Oswego.

The arrangements are in the care of the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home, 147 W. 4^th St. Oswego, NY.