Eddie Blozovich's Obituary
Eddie ""Big Ed"" Paul Blozovich, our precious loved one, passed away February 27, 2007 in Tampa, FL. He was 96 and a former Centerville resident. Eddie leaves behind his devoted spouse, the love of his life for 66 years, Josephine (Padavich), who he married September 28, 1940, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville; his daughter, Jeanie Russo, and her husband, Pasquale (Pat); grandsons, Pasquale Russo II with wife Trisha, and Paul Russo with wife, Melissa; great-grandsons, Paul Anthony, Pasquale (Tripp), and Cole; great-granddaughters, Alexa and Talia; and brother Rudie Blozovich and wife, Lavon, of Centerville.
Eddie was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampa, FL. Eddie was born June 27, 1910 in Rathbun, Iowa the son of Tom and Pauline (Kovich) Blozovich who predeceased him. He also was predeceased by a brother, Victor (Red) Blozovich and wife, Hazel, and sister, Annie Todey and husband, Frank, and Mary Zemo, and sister-in-law, Mary Bellegante. He is survived by sister-in-laws, Cecelia Padavich, wife of deceased Albert Padavich, and Lena Padavich, wife of deceased Fred Padavich, and numerous nieces and nephews.
As a young man, he worked in coal mines in Appanoose County. He then earned certification as a welder and owned a grocery store with his wife and welding shop in Sunshine. He loved to travel and his skill as a welder enabled him to work at various projects such as the Fort Randall Dam in South Dakota and the Savannah River Project in Augusta, GA. He moved the family to Tampa in 1954 and it became his home for life. He was always interested in education and was a lifelong learner in many areas. He attended the University of South Florida and completed his Associate's Degree. As a student, he was often a guest lecturer and Labor Relations due to his extensive background and long history of labor affiliations.
He thoroughly enjoyed fishing especially when he caught a record 16 pound large-mouth bass. In later years, he found enjoyment in watching his grandsons play baseball at the University of Tampa and then professionally. Eddie was a true St. Louis Cardinals fan and was so pleased to see them win the World Series in 2006. Throughout all of his life, his greatest accomplishment was the enduring love and admiration of his family and friends. He was an incredibly devoted husband and father. His knowledge, humor and optimism touched all who knew him. Eddie would want those whose lives he touched to remember him in their own way and perhaps with a little humor. We will all grieve with our loss, but will smile when we remember our times together, and will continue to celebrate his spirit.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held Friday, March 23, 2007 at 11:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville with Father Ron Will officiating. Pallbearers will be Tom Blozovich, Charles Todey, Melvin Todey, Ron Padavich, Jerry Butler and Pat Russo. Rosary Service will be held at 6 PM followed by visitation on Thursday, March 22, 2007, at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to the St. Mary's Catholic church and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544.
If a man's life valued by the love of his family, his life was priceless.
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