Dean Blangger

Dean Blangger, age 63 of Jackson Township, passed away on March 23, 2018, after a heroic battle with an extended illness. He was born in Killeen, Texas on December 17, 1954 to William H. Blangger and the late Phyllis (Pantoni) Blangger. He married his childhood sweetheart, Paula (Mannella) Blangger in 1976. It was love at first sight for both of them when they met at age 14, giving them 49 splendid years together. Dean was most known for his big heart and unfailing sense of humor, offering a sincere smile, a kind word, an enveloping hug or a bit of lovable teasing to everyone in his path. He wanted everyone to laugh - and laugh, we all did in his playful presence. Dean graduated from Ringgold High School in Monongahela, Pennsylvania and Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. He started his career at U.S. Steel in Gary, Indiana and retired in 2014 from Allegheny Ludlum in Louisville, Ohio where he worked for 34 years, most of that time as a Plant Superintendent. He was an artist at heart, redesigning used furniture pieces by painting them with intricate designs. These pieces are owned and enjoyed by many. He loved living at Willowdale Lake where he rebuilt/remodeled one of the community’s cottages from the 1920s. With his father, Dean was a member of Tri County Lodge #252 Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Dean is survived by his wife Paula; his beloved sons Brandon (Lori) and Andrew (Elena); his cherished grandchildren Ella, Drake and Maksen; and his adoring father Bill (Audrey). He will be deeply missed by all of the above as well as his mother-in-law Rina Mannella who, along with Dean’s father, helped lovingly care for him daily in his final weeks. An only child, Dean will be missed by his brothers and sisters of choice, John and Wendy Borrelli, Michael and Stacey Mannella, Jill (Tom) Tomavich and Jeff (Mary) Leonard. His aunt Nina Leonard, niece Maria and nephews, Kris, Michael and Joe will also hold him forever in their hearts. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. A celebration of Dean’s life will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with calling hours one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dean’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or The Jackson Local Schools Foundation, 7602 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon, OH 44646.