Obituaries: John F. Blakeslee

John F. Blakeslee, Jr., 63, of Bristol, died on Saturday (May 14, 2016) with his mother by his side.  John was born in Southington on May 24, 1952 and was the only son of Florence (Ploszaj) Blakeslee of Bristol and the late John F. Blakeslee, Sr.  He was raised in Bristol where he attended local schools and was a member of the first graduating class of St. Paul Catholic High School.  He then went on to attend college at New College in Sarasota, FL where he received his Bachelor’s degree.  John was a journalist, freelance writer, and photographer.  He formerly lived in Hilton Head, SC for 25 years where he wrote for the Hilton Head News.  He also formerly lived in Highlands, NC before returning to Bristol eight years ago.  He especially loved the cats he gave a home to over the years.  In addition to his mother, John is survived by his sister and brother-in-law: Darlene and Kevin Ruble of Eureka, MT; niece and nephew: John Blakeslee Ruble and Hannah Ruble; and his former spouse, Cain Haley.  Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association of CT, 4 Oxford Rd., Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460 or on-line at www.alsact.org.  The family offers a thank you to his caregiver, Ray, for his wonderful care of John.  Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol is assisting the family.  Please visit John’s memorial website at www.FUNKFUNERALHOME.com