Ronald ("Deacon Ron") Thomas Blasius, died peacefully in his sleep at home on the morning of Jan 26th, surrounded by his loving family.     He lived a life of service, working for 27 years for the New York City Police Department (NYPD) before retiring with the rank of Lieutenant.   He described joining the NYPD as "the most transformative experience of my life," because it gave him the opportunity to help people.   Deacon Ron served as Chaplain for the Correction Facility in Yaphank for 19 years;  he was ordained a Deacon for the Catholic Church in 2003 before serving St Phillip & St. James Church in that capacity until recently.  He loved officiating at baptisms and marriages, even baptising 5 of his grandchildren, two of his great grandchildren and marrying one of his grandsons! Ronald loved his plants and pets:  he was an avid gardener and held a variety of roles at the Suffolk County Orchid Society for over 30 years.  He loved his dogs and even raised a chicken or two.    When he was younger, he completed 3 NYC Marathons.    He and his wife, Patricia, loved to travel all over the world – they visited China, Russia, Egypt, traveled throughout Europe and, of course, the US.  They particularly enjoyed traveling with their extended family, hosting them for wedding anniversaries in Alaska, Tennessee, and Bermuda. Deacon Ron was not a man of words, but of action.   He distinguished right from wrong, believed in justice, told no lies and was quick to help people in need.   He 'walked the walk,' and was loyal, dependable, generous, and hard working.   He will be remembered for his gentle, fun loving spirit, loud Hawaiian shirts and even louder ties! Most of all, Ronald loved spending time with, and serving his family.  His wife, Patricia, was the sun around which his world revolved.   He was a devoted husband to her, loving father to Glenn, Sharon, Susan and Carissa, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him – his family and friends and the communities to which he belonged and served. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Godspeed, warrior of God.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Ronald's name to the Good Shepherd Hospice or the American Heart Association.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

American Heart Association
PO Box 3049, Syracuse NY 13220-3049
Tel: 1-800-242-8721
Web: http://www.heart.org

Good Shepherd Hospice
Web: https://goodshepherdhospice.chsli.org/donations