Donald E. Bazluke

BARRE - Donald Earl Bazluke, a longtime Barre resident died on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the age of 92.  He was born on August 3, 1931, in Plainfield, VT, to Samuel and Martha (Smith)Bazluke.  He was the fourth of six children who grew up in Massachusetts and Vermont.

Don married Mary Teresa Mansfield on November 24, 1951, and then went in the service during the Korean war, spending several years in Germany.  He returned home to Barre, VT, and he began working for the Times Argus newspaper in the printing department, where he eventually became the pressroom foreman.  He worked there for over 40 years, retiring in 1997.  Don and Mary raised their family of three children, Richard, Martha and Donald Jr. in Barre where he lived the rest of his life.

He was very active in the Barre community and was a member of the Masons, VFW and the American Legion.  He was also involved with Little League Baseball as a coach and later president of Granite City Little League.  He enjoyed traveling in his RV with family and friends and was an avid golfer for many years.  Don especially enjoyed family events and holidays, never missing a graduation for his six grandchildren.  He liked puzzles and was a sought-after board game partner, well known for his prowess in Sequence.  In his nineties, he was still flying cross country on his own and danced at the last family wedding at age 92.

Don is survived by his three children, Richard Bazluke of South Burlington, VT, Martha Fish (Barry) of Lake Jackson, TX, and Donald Bazluke Jr. (Paula) of Essex Junction, VT; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was predeceased in death by his wife, Mary, siblings Elsie Lamberti, Robert Bazluke, Samuel Bazluke, Jean Eisenwinter, and Thomas Bazluke; as well as one beloved grandchild, Katelyn Fish.

Don’s life will be celebrated at a private graveside service at a later date. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated to the Central Vermont Humane Society, 1589 VT Route 14 South, East Montpelier, VT 05651 or at https://centralvermonthumane.org.