Donald Eugene Blaney of Valparaiso was surrounded by his family as he went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the age of 90. He was born in Valparaiso on October 14, 1934 to the late William and Mary Lillian (nee Burns) Blaney and was the oldest of 7 children. A lifelong resident of Valparaiso, Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Eleanor A. Blaney (nee Crook), daughters Sheryl (Mark) Terril, Jacqueline Blaney, and Laura (Phillip) McColly, and sons Raymond (Amy) Blaney and Vernon Blaney. He is also survived by sisters Norma Baum and Mary Sanborn, brothers Kenneth Sr. (Mickie) Blaney and Gerald Sr. Blaney, plus eight adoring grandchildren—Nathaniel Blaney, Kristin Blaney, Zachary Sutton, Lauren (Danny) Gibbons, Connor Blaney, Sierra Blaney, Nicholas Blaney, and Alexis Terril. Additionally, he is survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and sisters Marlene (John) Prosser and Virginia Blaney.
Don attended St. Paul Catholic School and Valparaiso High School. During 1954-1956, he served in the Army’s 97th Engineer Battalion and was stationed in France. On August 10, 1957, he married Eleanor, his true love of 67 years. Don started working at GTE in 1951 and continued there until his retirement in 1997. Don’s technical prowess served him well as an electronics technician, backyard mechanic, and all-around handyman. He received great satisfaction lending a hand to family members and friends when they needed assistance to fix anything. Don was an avid fisherman always searching for that trophy Musky on his annual trip to northern Wisconsin. He enjoyed watching the Chicago sports teams and Valparaiso University Crusader basketball team, hunting for treasures at thrift stores, taking his grandchildren to the park, and exploring the US on numerous vacations with his family. He was also a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He served God and his family faithfully and will be dearly missed.
A Memorial Gathering will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 12:00 PM. His family will forever remember the unwavering and compassionate care he received during the last 7 months of his life at Gabriel’s Home for the Elderly. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Gabriel's Home, 372 Franciscan Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46385.
GUESTBOOK
-Chris Jeff Harreld
Everyone, who knew Uncle Don, knew of his kindness. He never spoke a harsh word towards me, and I never heard him speak ill of anyone. I hope his character and the many memories of time spent with him will be a comfort to everyone, who feels this loss of a great friend. -Brian Blackman
