In loving memory of

Stephen Russell Blodgett
December 21, 1957 - June 3, 2020

Stephen Russell Blodgett, of Lower Gwynedd, PA, died peacefully on Wednesday June 3, 2020 in the Abington Hospice at Warminster. He was 62 years old.

Born on December 21, 1957 in Manhasset, NY, to the late Joseph Forrest and Nina Hendrickson (McKee) Blodgett, he was the youngest of two children. Steve graduated Oyster Bay High School in 1976. He studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder and was awarded a Master's Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

Steve served his country in the United States Air Force from 1980 to 1988, working primarily with Advanced Strategic Missile Systems at Norton AFB and HQ Air Force Systems Command at Andrews AFB, and retiring with the rank of Captain. He was then employed as a Program Manager at Lockheed Martin Corporation (formerly GE Aerospace/Martin Marietta Hypersonic Systems) until his retirement in 2016.

Steve was a volunteer firefighter for 44 years - one of his greatest passions - joining East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company at 18 years of age. It was here that his love for the Fire Department Drill Team racing began and he shared many stories, photos, and videos from his time competing with the Tournament Team. He then continued to volunteer with the California Department of Forestry during his military service while attending USC in California, and after moving to Pennsylvania in 1988, joined Wissahickon Fire Company (WFC), where he was a Past President and Battalion Chief. He was involved in many facets of the fire company including documenting WFC's Centennial History and participating in many fundraising efforts like the pancake breakfasts and pasta nights, creation of the lottery calendar, planning of firefighter camp for teens, and writing grants. Grant writing provided a perfect outlet for the combination of his professional skill set and passion for serving the community. Not only did these skills provide a benefit locally for WFC and other surrounding volunteer fire companies, but also on a national level as a grant reviewer for FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

Steve was always involved and keeping busy. During high school he became soccer team captain and president of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Community Soccer Club, was a member of the fencing team, football team - where his soccer kick came in handy, and played drums in the school band. He also participated in radio club where he communicated with people around the world, and chemistry club, from which he loved sharing memories of his real life applications, especially what happens when you flush alkali metals down the school's third floor toilet. His fascination with flight led him to join Civil Air Patrol and to visit Harris Hill in Elmira, NY to learn soaring in sailplanes.

Attending CU Boulder fostered his love for the outdoors and made him a CU Buffs and Denver Broncos fan for life. He was an Air Force ROTC Detachment 105 cadet and member of Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, learning to skydive, rock climb, and cross country ski. He also utilized his EMT skills on the sidelines of Buffs games, working concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and back home on Long Island at Jones Beach State Park. While in AFROTC, Steve had the opportunity to meet the love of his life, Kathy, through her involvement with Angel Flight.

Between his time in the military and planning vacations, he enjoyed many travel adventures both domestically and internationally. His work with the Minuteman and Peacekeeper Missile programs took him on faraway assignments to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and closer to home in North Dakota and California. He also enjoyed horseback riding in the Canadian Rockies, touring wineries in Napa and Sonoma, fly fishing in New York and Alaska, and relaxing on the beach on Cape Cod. In September of 2018 he checked off a bucket list item of visiting all 50 states with a family trip to Montana and Wyoming, enjoying Glacier, Yellowstone, and Teton National Parks. He loved that there is so much to see in the U.S. and he shared his passion for National Parks with almost anyone who would listen. More recently, even though life dealt him challenges that limited his ability to experience the adventures like he once did, he took great joy in helping his daughters plan adventures of their own.

His other various activities and hobbies were camping, photography, golfing, collecting kaleidoscopes, trains, and antique fire equipment, piloting anything involving flight including hot air balloons in New Mexico, hang gliders at Kitty Hawk, and even stunt kites with his daughters. With a trip last year to the Boeing Museum of Flight in Seattle, he showed off his favorite plane, the F-14 Tomcat - the same model plane he flew while interning with Grumman Aerospace Corporation. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends and spoiling his grandpuppies, Shannon and Hazel.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 13 years Kathryn Ann (Reynolds) in 1995, and by his brother Dale Forrest Blodgett in 2015. He is the devoted father of Kimberly Ann Blodgett (Ross Pike) of Flourtown, PA and Kristen Elizabeth Blodgett (Bryan Doyle) of Oreland, PA. Steve is survived by his brother-in-law Robert James Reynolds (Kathy) of Horsham, PA and a nephew, Jesse James Reynolds, of North Carolina, as well as many close friends who are more like family.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Saturday, June 27, 2020, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 259 Forest Ave, Ambler, PA, and to his Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park. A memorial luncheon will follow at the Wissahickon Fire Company, 245 Race St, Ambler, PA 19002.

Remembrances made to the National Park Foundation (http://give.nationalparks.org/goto/Steve_Blodgett) or Wissahickon Fire Company (245 Race St, Ambler, PA 19002) would be appreciated by his family.

Tributes and photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com




Tributes

Jeff Welaish (co-worker at LM) wrote on Jun 27, 2020:

"I am so sorry to hear this news. Steve was a gentleman and always a pleasure to work with. You are all in my prayers."

Kimberly wilkie wrote on Jun 27, 2020:

"I?m so sorry to hear this. Steve was certainly one of the most amazing man I ever met! A guy who would help anyone! So sorry for your loss "

Anthony Minio wrote on Jun 25, 2020:

"Kim and Kristen, we are sending our deepest condolences to you both on the passing of your dad. Steves dedication to the fire company, his community, and your family is something that will always be remembered. It was a pleasure to work alongside Steve for so many years through the fire company. We are sending prayers to you both and the rest of your family during this time, and are praying that you find comfort in the memories you had with your father. Our deepest condolences, Anthony, Beth, Jenn and April Minio"

Anthony Minio wrote on Jun 25, 2020:

"Kim and Kristen, we are sending our deepest condolences to you both on the passing of your dad. Steves dedication to the fire company, his community, and your family is something that will always be remembered. It was a pleasure to work alongside Steve for so many years through the fire company. We are sending prayers to you both and the rest of your family during this time, and are praying that you find comfort in the memories you had with your father. Our deepest condolences, Anthony, Beth, Jenn and April Minio"

Mary Anne Fry wrote on Jun 10, 2020:

"So sorry to learn of Steve's passing. Share many memories of his dedication to our Wissahickon Fire Company family. My love and prayers to all the family. "

Rich Roberts wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"Steve you were an amazing man thank you for all your smiles and good talks you will be missed Brother. "

Erfan wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss to your family and friends "

John Dzurko wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"So sad to hear if Steve?s passing. I very much enjoyed working with him over the years. Always working for mission success. Willing to challenge anyone when he had a different viewpoint on an issue. Always 100% supportive of the team. Blessing to him and the family. Mourn his loss but always remember to celebrate his life. "

Heather Lee Whipple wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"Kristen and Kim, we are all so saddened by your dad's death. He meant so much to so many people and was a friend to all. You are both in our prayers for peace and comfort. The Whipple Family "

Denise Colgan wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"Steve So very loved.. so dearly missed.. 45 years of love and friendship.. have endured....and will continue.. in my memories and my heart.. Always... Rev.21:4 ?He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death? or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.? Denise Colgan "

Karynjean Dickhoff wrote on Jun 4, 2020:

"Kim & Kristen - I am so very sorry. I have many fond memories of all of you. Please let me know if there is any way in which I can help. -Karynjean Dickhoff "