Andrew Jerald Blaner

Toronto – Andrew Jerald Blaner, aged 94, former Mayor (4 terms) of the City of Toronto, died on August 29, 2015.  Andrew was born March 7, 1921 in Stratton, Ohio, a son of the late Peter and Dorthy (Zdinak) Blaner.

He retired as Head of Safety & Security at the Titanium Metals Corporation “TIMET” Toronto, OH plant location; he was also the Safety Advisor at the Henderson, Nevada TIMET Plant.  Andrew’s previous jobs at TIMET were Supervisor.  His early jobs included working at Kaul Clay and Brandt Motors; he also had his own auto body shop (a hobby that he would continue through his lifetime).  He attended the University of Western Kentucky; and was a 1939 Graduate of Toronto High School.  TIMET sent him to college for Workmen’s Compensation.  He was appointed to the Governor’s Select Commission on Safety for the State of Ohio and was a former Board member of the St. John Medical Center in Steubenville.

Andrew J. Blaner served in the military, U. S. Army Air Corps from 1942 through 1946 (43 months).  He was a World War II veteran and served in the Asiatic/Pacific Theatre, and the Philippine Liberation, the Occupation of Japan and received the Bronze Star.  Andy is a member of the Toronto American Legion, Post 86 and was Commander of the American Legion twice, as well as being a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6906.  Andy Blaner was Drill Sergeant of the nationally famous Color Guard & Drill Team, the Toronto TOR-VETS, of St. Mihiel Post No. 86, American Legion, who were Ohio State Champions, 1959 and in 1959 finished 3rd Place in National Competition in Minneapolis behind New York and Chicago; Ohio State Champions in 1961, 1962, and in 1962 National Champion Contenders at Las Vegas, All told the TOR-VETS competed over a 10 year period. 

Andrew “Andy” J. Blaner married Anne on May 8, 1948 at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Chester, West Virginia.  They shared 60 happy years of marriage together. 

Andrew was a pillar of his church, St. Joseph Greek Catholic “Byzantine” Church of Toronto, member of parish council, usher and was the Chairman of the Building Committee for the new church in the 1960s.   Andrew was honored with the Tri-State Deanery award on Dec. 20, 1973, at the 17th annual St. Nicholas Banquet in Pittsburgh by the Byzantine Archdiocese of Munhall for outstanding service to church and community.  He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and past Commander of Post 86, St. MihielToronto American Legion.

Andrew served his community as a council man for five years and as a Mayor of Toronto for 12 years (2 -2 year terms and 2 – 4 year terms).  Among his accomplishments were the paving of nine miles of concrete (city streets) of Toronto, building the new Toronto Fire Department, building the new Sanitary/Sewage Plant on River Avenue, building the War Memorial Pool, establishing Newburg Landing, and the annexation of Walton Acres into the City of Toronto’s corporation limits.  As a member of the St. John’s Medical Center Board of Trustees, Andrew was instrumental in the merging of St. John’s and Ohio Valley Hospitals to become Trinity Health Systems; he was also a strong advocate for investing in the mental health care center at the hospital; and his support of diversity among the doctors and employees is well known.  Andy’s hobbies included restoration and painting of most of his vehicles, fishing and sharing his garden with family and neighbors.  He was proud to be the Sgt. of Tor-Vets, coaching & encouraging his son and grandsons. He coached basketball for 12 years and had the first undefeated season of basketball for the St. Francis Parochial School Team.

In addition to his parents, Andrew was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne Elizabeth (Smusz) Blaner, by his daughter, Barbara J. (Blaner) Shields, his sisters, Mary (Blaner) Billie, Pauline (Blaner) Smith, his brothers, Pete and Mike, and his nephew, John “Jack” Billie and his niece, Betty Jean (Billie) Chambers. 

He is survived by his children, Janice (Bob) Anderson of Toronto, Dorothy at home, David (Kelley) of Moon Township, PA.   He was a loving grandfather to Robb Anderson, Tim (Renee) Anderson, Tom (Angie) Anderson, and Andy (Kim) Anderson; grandchildren: Beth (Dan) Shields Scott & Bryan Shields and son-in-law John Shields; grandchildren Zachary & Alexis Blaner; and great-grandchildren: Maddie & Jenna Anderson and Bryson, Callie, Wyatt and Bennett Anderson, Peter Anderson and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the J. E. Foster Funeral Home at 701 Findley Street in Toronto on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with additional visitation on Friday from 9-10 a.m. and departure for funeral mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Greek Catholic Byzantine Church in Toronto. Requiem Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Rev. Father John Kapitan Jr., OFM. Burial will follow in Toronto Union Cemetery. Military graveside honors will be provided by the Toronto American Legion Post #86.

Memorial donations may be made to: Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, OH 43943 or  to St. Joseph’s Byzantine Catholic Church 814 N. 5th St., Toronto, OH 43964. 

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