Deceased May 20, 2013
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In Memory
Don Balman Blenko passed away May 20, 2013, after several years of declining health. Don and his wife, Kitty, had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends. They met at age 8 through their parents, who were longtime friends. They dated through college and were married following Don’s second year of law school. Don and Kitty were devoted parents, noted for their loyal support of countless athletic, church, school and scouting events during their children’s school years. He will be greatly missed by his family.
An excellent student, Don attended Shady Side Academy. At Amherst he joined Chi Psi and spent some time on the wrestling and baseball teams, along with being the review editor of the Student. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. After law school he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He specialized in corporate and antitrust law, and his career included positions at Morgan Lewis and Bockius, Philco-Ford and Arco Chemical.
After retiring he continued doing volunteer work in many capacities. Many of Don’s happiest times were with his family, particularly vacationing on Nantucket, Mass., where he indulged his lifelong enjoyment of crossword puzzles and reading. He was a Philadelphia Orchestra loyalist, maintaining season tickets with Kitty for more than 50 years. Other longstanding local affiliations included the Haverford Civic Association, Phi Beta Kappa Club and Sons and Daughters of Nantucket. He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan, through good times and bad. He enjoyed owning and managing a fantasy baseball league team for many years.
Don is survived by his wife, Kitty; five sons: David ’76 (whom we thank for most of this information), Peter, Thomas, Don Jr. and James; a daughter, Katherine ’80; all their spouses; nine grandchildren; and a brother, Walter.
George Hiller ’50
David Blenko '76