Mark Blakley

BLAKLEY, Mark Robert, died peacefully on December 24, 2009 at University Hospital in Cincinnati with his family by his side. Mark was retired as Treasurer of the Hamilton City School System and was much admirded for his dedication, attention to detail and fiscal responsibility. He was born on November 21, 1923, the son of Edward and Anna Blakley. Mark was educated in the Hanover Township Schools and entered Miami University in 1941. In the same year, he was drafted into the US Army. Mark proudly served his country with honor as a member of the 44th Infantry in Northern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe. Mark received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars, American Campaign Medal and the WW II Victory Medal. Honorably discharged in 1945, Mark returned home to reenter Miami University and earn his Bachelor Degree and Masters Degree in Mathmatics, along with the Distinguished Graduate Recognition Award, class of 1947. After his graduation from Miami, he held various positions in the Hamilton City Schools. He served as Treasurer from 1975 until his retirement in 1989. Mark married Betty L. Bursch on December 28, 1948 at Christ the King Church in Hyde Park, Cincinnati. They shared 61 years together and raised five daughters. Mark is survived by his wife, Betty L. Blakley; five daughters, Susan and husband, Ken Huls of Cincinnati, Sally and husband, Dr. Bill Hogan of Seattle, WA, Barbara Blakley of Fairfield, Mary and husband, Paul Shaffstall of Golden, CO and Betsy and husband, Douglas Amend of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Holly Hogan Holmes and husband, Tom of Sausalito, CA, Mark and Matthew Amend of Cincinnati, OH and Adam Shaffstall of Golden, CO; two sisters, Betty Weisenbach of Springfield, OH and Edna Mae Wynn of Centerville, OH. Mark was preceded in death by his infant son, Mark Robert Blakley and his parents, Ed and Anna Blakley. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kenneth Wehr for his years of care. Memorials may be made to Saint Peter’s School, Badin High School or to the Columbian Fathers P O Box 10, St. Colunbans, NE, 68056. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Colligan Funeral Home, 437 S 3rd Street, Hamilton from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon at St. Peter In Chains Catholic Church. Burial in St. Stephen Cemetery. Online condolences to www.colliganfuneralhome.com