George Albert Blann
On January 25, 2026 George Blann entered his heavenly home after fighting a long battle of cancer with faith and spiritual courage. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
George was born in Flushing New York on February 10, 1938 to Henry and Edith Blann. He had one older sister, Elizabeth (Qually). He attended Bayside High school where he was well liked and very involved in the band and orchestra. George played the trumpet in his high school band, which earned him the superlative title of “Mr. Music” in his senior year.
After high school he joined the US Air Force and primarily served as an air traffic controller in Vermont. Following his military discharge George continued his education at what is formerly known as the “Academy of Aeronautics”, a private institution specializing in aviation, engineering, technology and management. While attending this institution, in 1961 George was introduced to Barbara (Sorensen) and this was the beginning of their love story that spanned nearly 65 years. After graduating from the Academy, George secured a position with United Technologies, Hamilton Standard Division in Windsor Locks, CT. In 1965 they welcomed their first born son, Craig George Blann. Three years later in 1968 they welcomed their daughter, Cheri Mae (Spahr).
At Hamilton Standard, George was offered a position in their Metallurgical Dept., lending his skills and abilities to answering the Nation’s challenge to be the first to put a man on the moon. George worked alongside other team members assigned the important task developing a water circulation system as part of the lunar spacesuits NASA’s Apollo 11 astronauts who were the first to land their Lunar Module Eagle on the moon in 1969.
In 1970 later in his career, George & Barbara moved to Pittsburgh, PA where he secured a job with Westinghouse Research. He worked there for the next 9 years. During this time a co-worker, Al Kranovich shared how one could have a saving relationship with God through accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and from that moment on this changed his life forever. He often stated afterwards that he finally found out what was missing in his life. A life transformed, George shared the gospel with his wife, Barbara who also accepted Christ as Savior. They began growing in their faith at Holiday Park Baptist Church where they made many lifetime friendships.
George was a faithful source of a loving, spiritual headship and encouragement to his wife and family. He was committed to reading the Bible, and living out the truths in his daily walk with the Lord. He was also used by God in evangelism, and as a result of God’s Holy Spirit, was blessed to witness many individuals become children of God.
In 1979 he accepted a job with Buehler Limited in IL. He worked there until his retirement in 2007. During his career there he was consulted for his metallographer expertise for forensics related to the bullet that was involved in the assasination attempt of Ronald Reagan in 1981 and for the Space Shuttle disaster in 1986. In 2002 he was given the President’s Award awarded by the International Metallographic Society, Inc. in recognition of 30 years of contributions to the society as director, content judge and presenter. In the last 5 years he was the Manager of Education for Buehler.
He was actively involved at Crossroads Baptist Church in Grayslake IL, serving as an elder on many occasions. His wisdom, compassion and ability to share hard truths in love made him a respected member of this community.
In 2012 he and Barbara moved to Virginia to be near their daughter and grandchildren. He enjoyed singing in the choir at Thomas Road Baptist Church and volunteering with Bedford Drive to serve his community.
He loved to garden and take care of his family. He was the kind of person that everyone liked, even complete strangers seemed to warm up to him quickly. George was a people person and he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
The biggest blessing his family will carry with them is the fact that he was the first seed of spiritual legacy in our family. When he gave his life completely to Christ this changed his family forever. George was a Christ-follower and he made his personal relationship with Jesus his first daily priority. He was committed to reading his Bible and praying everyday for his family and anyone else who needed prayer or encouragement. In fact in his last days his family had some of his favorite songs from the Gaither Vocal Band playing continually in his room. On January 25th, just as the last notes of “How Great Thou Art” played, George breathed his last breath on earth and entered heaven.
Oh what an amazing Sunday worship service he entered!
He will be missed by his wife of 61+ years, his children and six grandchildren and even a great grandchild that God saw fit to allow him to meet and enjoy for over a year. God has been faithful all the days of his life and we rejoice that he is fully healed and basking in the presence of His Savior. In summary, it may be said of George that he walked with God, treasuring his relationship with the Lord. Having entered heaven, assuredly George heard the Master say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant….enter into the joy of your Lord”. Matthew 25:21
A Celebration of his Life and Faith will take place at Thomas Road Baptist Church, Pate Chapel, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, starting at 3:00 pm.
A Graveside Service will be held at Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 10300 Pridesville Rd, Amelia, Virginia, 23002, on Monday, February 2, 2026, commencing at 1:00 pm with military honors by the US Air Force Honor Guard.
Donations in George Albert Blann's memory may be made to Centra Bedford Hospice House at www.centrahealth.com/foundation.
