Obituary of Richard Craig Bliss

Richard "Dick" Craig Bliss passed into the arms of angels, at home on Tuesday, Nov 23rd, his spirit now freed from the confines of dementia. Born in Syracuse to Charles N and Maryclair Bliss on Feb 2, 1944, Dick resided in Baldwinsville, graduated from Charles W. Baker High School and went on to Syracuse University to pursue an Engineering degree. Though his father's passing brought him home before completing that goal, his love and ability to build or fix most anything remained throughout his life. As a teen he achieved the level of Eagle Scout, of which, he was most proud. While at SU, Dick met Judi Lynn Scalzo, a student nurse at St. Joseph's. They married in 1968, recently celebrating 53 years together. Blessed with 2 daughters, Amy and Laura, Dick happily taught them to fish, swim, drive a boat and stick shift. Dick and Judi owned 2 taverns at various times, The Dutchmans on the river and Nutsy Fagan's in Baldwinsville, but family life influenced him to pursue other options. He spent several years as a District Manager for Syracuse Newspapers and worked in industrial sales for Drennan Steel. Ultimately the freedom of driving trucks was something he enjoyed and he spent many years doing so for Leaseway and United Auto Parts. He also drove school busses (as the biggest kid on the bus) for Liverpool and Jordan-Elbridge. Dick was a happy, gregarious man who always looked at life with a joyful spirit, a smile and a handshake, ready to help anyone in need. He cared deeply for his bothers with whom he as very close. Dick's 2 biggest passions beside his family were lacrosse and being on the St. Lawrence River at Lancaster Island. From childhood through his children's youth, he spent many hours boating and waterskiing with friends and family. He started playing lacrosse at Baker, later at SU, continuing occasionally in adulthood, playing alumni games at B'Ville. In his later years he became a ref for youth, JV and Varsity, continuing well into his 60's. Dick was pre-deceased by his parents, his brothers Michael and Charles (Chuck), nephews Andrew and Matthew and niece Kimberly. He is survived by his "bride" Judi, his daughters Amy and Laura, brother David, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. Calling hours are at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville, on Wed, Dec 1 from 4-6pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association and Hospice of CNY.