Obituary of Gary Bliss

GARY H. BLISS CANANDAIGUA: Gary Bliss, 75, of Hickox Road died peacefully on September 13 at Serenity House. Gary was born in Canandaigua on November 17, 1934 and was the son of the late Harlan and Josie Hook Bliss. Gary was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy (1953) and attended Alfred Tech. He owned and operated Seneca Refrigeration until 1972. At the time of his death he was the proprietor of Bliss Shurfine Foodmart in Shortsville. He was a member of the Mutual Hook and Ladder and Merrill Hose Fire Companies and had been a longtime member of the Canandaigua Emergency Squad. He was Past Master of Milnor Lodge #139 F&AM where he was a recipient of the Dedicated Service Award. He was also a member of Damascus Shrine and had been president of the Canandaigua Shrine Club. Gary was active in the Scottish Rite and the York Rite as well. He was a charter member and past president of the Red Jacket Rotary Club achieving 34 years of perfect attendance. He received the Rotarian of the Year award many times and was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He had been a long serving member of the CNB Advisory Board. Gary was also a 4-H Father, a member of Ontario County S.C.O.P.E. and a member of SPAAMFAA an organization dedicated to the preservation of antique fire engines. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Patricia VanBrooker Bliss of Canandaigua, his son Jeffrey (Becky) Bliss of Bristol and his daughters Lisa VanTroost of Canandaigua and Jennifer (Ronald) Weigert of Middlesex, four grandchildren Kasey and Abby Weigert and Mitchell and Evan Bliss, his brother David L. Bliss, Sr. of Honeoye, brother-in-law Jack (Maureen) VanBrooker of Canandaigua, five nephews, two nieces and many friends. Funeral services and interment in Evergreen Cemetery will be private. The family will receive friends at the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department Station One, 4350 Route 64, Canandaigua on Tuesday, September 21, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family has suggested that memorials be directed to Serenity House, 1278 Brace Road, Victor, NY 14564, the Rotary Foundation, Rotary International, One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 or to the charity of the donor's choice. Tuesday September 21, 2010, 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Bristol Fire Department Station One Click for Map and Directions