Robert E. Blethen, 74, of Thomaston, beloved husband of Linda (Yacknick) Blethen, died on Sunday (May 15, 2022) at home. Bob was born on August 30, 1947 in Portland, ME and was a son of the late Norris and Pearl (Bickford) Blethen.
He was raised in Plainville where he graduated from Plainville High School. A Vietnam veteran, he enlisted to serve in the United States Navy. The sailor proudly served from 1967-1971 and saw duty aboard the destroyer USS Dahlgren (DLG-12) as a gun fire control technician and as a special sea detail helmsman traveling to the Middle East, Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. After his honorable discharge, he settled in Thomaston and worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft for 32 years retiring in 2010. He looked forward to his annual deep-sea fishing trips and enjoyed lobster and popcorn.
In addition to his wife of 48 years, Bob is survived by three daughters: Cindy Sabolcik and husband, Christopher of New Hartford, Kathleen Little and husband, Steven of Windham, ME, and Bonnie Blethen and fiancé, Dan DeFiore of South Portland, ME; a brother: Arthur Blethen of Plainville; five grandchildren: Megan, Abigail, and Ryan Little, Alex and Mieka Sabolcik; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Norris “Pete” Blethen.
Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, on Thursday (May 19, 2022) between 11 AM and 12 PM followed by a funeral service at 12 PM.
The burial, with military honors, will be held on Friday (May 20, 2022) at 1 PM directly at West Cemetery, Pound St., Bristol. Please visit Bob’s memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com
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