Jane (Pantola) Blaszczak

NY MILLS - Jane (Pantola) Blaszczak, age 99, died peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Born in Utica on October 18, 1923, to the late Frank and Caroline (Swiech) Pantola, Jane was a lifelong resident of the area. On August 10, 1946, she married Joseph C. Blaszczak, Jr., with whom she shared a loyal union of 26 years until his passing in 1972. She later enjoyed the companionship of Ray Stefano until his death. Until her retirement in 1989, Jane was a dedicated employee of Verizon where she was also president of the Telephone Operators Union, IBEW 2213. Once retired, she spent time at a second home in Boynton Beach, Florida, and enjoyed working for the Florida State Thruway Authority. She last resided in New York Mills where she was an active parishioner of the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary, Our Lady of Częstochowa. A woman of tremendous energy and fierce tenacity, Jane had an extraordinary work ethic. Her many interests and passions included golf, Polish cooking, local and national politics, and daily outings. Until just recently, she and her sister, Charlotte, made routine trips to Turning Stone Casino for lunch and a little slot machine action. The pair was affectionately known as “The Golden Girls” among the staff at the casino and golf courses. Jane is survived by her daughter, JoAnn Blaszczak, and her son, Joseph Blaszczak (Deanna Circelli). She was predeceased by her son, Allan Blaszczak. Additionally, she is survived by her granddaughters, Jacqueline Blaszczak (John Geissinger) and Mallory Blaszczak. She also leaves her cherished great-grandchildren Parker, Jack, and Chloe, with whom she spent many joy-filled hours. Also surviving are her sister, Charlotte Cotter, and many nieces and nephews, especially mentioning Carol Sinnott, Michael Stark, and Teddy Milewski. She was preceded in death by her seven siblings: Mary Sinnott, Helen Smith, Rita Milewski, John Allen, Casimer Pantola, Frank Pantola, and Joe Pantola. The family extends a sincere thank you to the staff at Sitrin Health Care Center for their attentive treatment of Jane. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jane’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. at Sacred Heart & St. Mary’s Church, 201 Main St., NY Mills. We welcome those who find it feasible to greet the family prior to the Mass from 9:30-10:00 a.m.; there will also be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. Memorial contributions in Jane’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Stanislaus & St. Casimir Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Jane (Pantola) Blaszczak

October 18, 1923 - February 9, 2023