A photo of Jeff Monreal, owner and operator of Jeff Monreal Funeral Homes posing in a black suit with no background

Painesville Location

1000 Mentor Avenue Painesville, Ohio 44077

Willoughby Location

38001 Euclid Avenue Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Mentor Location

6330 Center Street Mentor, Ohio 44060

John L. Blankenship

03/10/1947 — 05/28/2020

John L. Blankenship smiling for a photo

John L. Blankenship, age 73 of Wickliffe, passed away May 28th, 2020 at Cleveland VA Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born March 10, 1947 in Akron to the late Jack and Dee Blankenship.

John is a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran (bronze star recipient) and a member of the VFW Post # 4796.

John is a retired salesman, an avid golfer and Cleveland sports fan. He had a great sense of humor and was extremely caring. He loved people and was the life of many parties. He loved his family, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, they did everything together.

John is the loving husband for 50 years to Sue Blankenship; dearest father of Avis (Ken-deceased) Kanocz and Barb (Jackie Goodrich) Blankenship; grandfather of Taylor (Jeremy) Kunsman and Danielle Kanocz; brother of the late Jim Mitchell; friend of many.

The Blankenship family will receive friends from 3-7 PM Monday, June 1st, 2020 at The Abbey of Willoughby, 38011 Euclid Ave., Willoughby (which is located on the grounds of McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home). Military Honors will be held at 7 PM Monday at The Abbey.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral and Cremation Services.

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17 Replies to “John L. Blankenship”

  1. Maureen Russell May 30, 2020 at 12:41 am

    Sue, Avis and Barb, I’m truly sorry to hear of the passing of John, he always had a great big smile on his face, something nice to say, and of course, something funny! Love to all of you ❤️

    Reply

  2. Way to many great memories to share just one. I met John and Sue when I was in my late teens and instantly had a connection with them. JL will be dearly missed but his laugh and love for life will live on through us all. Rest in Peace my friend

    Reply

  3. I regret not being there. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you through your grief! Love all of you!

    Reply

  4. Pat Loren Boyd May 30, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    Sue, as you know I would run into Johnny every few years. We graduated from Collinwood and of course hung out with the same crowd as teenagers,

    I will never forget those killer blue eyes. Can’t stop to see you because I babysit my two great grandchildren and I don’t dare take any chances until a vaccine is available.
    My deepest sympathy to you and your daughters.

    Reply

  5. Bernie Hutter May 30, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    Sorry to hear of John’s passing. I was in John’s 1966 Collinwood HS graduating class, We talked at some of the CHS reunions years later . He was a very friendly and likeable guy.
    Rest in peace

    Reply

  6. So sorry John was the best he came running up to me at the reunion we had great times in school so lot of memories god bless

    Reply

  7. I’m so sorry I’ve known you for a long time my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family

    Reply

  8. Donna Parcesepe PicardiniI May 31, 2020 at 4:24 am

    I feel so sad to hear about John, he was truly a wonderful guy. He really was kind and caring to many of us. And he had a great sense of humor, that’s for sure. He will be missed and not forgotten. My sincere sympathy to all of his family.

    Reply

  9. Pat Loren Boyd May 31, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    Sue, as you know I ran into Johnny every few years (somewhere) so I know he still had those killer blue eyes! He was a sweet guy from the time I met him in the neighborhood, after we graduated from high school and into his “Grandpa” years. He will be missed and I say this on behalf of my brother and his wife; Larry & Heidi Loren as well as myself. Love

    Reply

  10. Toni Fauceglia (Voso) May 31, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    I saw both of you at the reunion gathering and he looked wonderful. He had not changed from high school. I hope he was not I’ll for too long a time. I will be out of town. Leaving tomorrow morning or I would be there. John was a great young man and became a excellent grown man. He was genuine.
    He will certainly be missed by you and your family and by all of us who thought highly of him. May God grant you an abundance of blessings. Stay well and safe. Fondly, Toni

    Reply

  11. I met John in the army, we were drafted together, spent basic training together were we had a lot of laughs at a scary time in our lives. we were both put into infantry . we knew our destiny was preparing to go to Viet Nam. That being said we still had lots of laughs. after our trainings (AIT & jungle warfare) we went different ways, I went to the 4th Infantry & John went to the
    “Big Red One”. I still remember him. What a great guy

    Reply

  12. James and Judy Barbee May 31, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    We remember John from high school. Met with him years later and he never changed. John always had a nice smile. He never hesitated to laugh at himself. He had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help a friend. He will be missed. Prayers for the Blankenship family.

    Reply

  13. Sue and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. He was always one to make me laugh whenever I would run into him at Lino’s. His smile will be missed.

    Reply

  14. Annette and Jim Pecharka June 1, 2020 at 11:04 pm

    Dear Sue, Avis, Barb and families,
    We are so sad to hear of John’s passing. Heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. We are praying for your strength and healing at this sad time.

    Reply

  15. Joseph kucmanic June 2, 2020 at 3:02 am

    I lost a great friend busted my chops all the time especially about my smoking I’ll miss him a bunch we lost hi my way too soon I’m a better man today because of Johnny thank you God for letting me know Johnny rip

    You

    Reply

  16. Eileen Fitzpatrick Edwards June 3, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    With deepest sympathy for the Blakenship
    family for the loss of John. A life well lived.

    Reply

  17. Mary Lou (Romano) Abrahamson June 14, 2020 at 4:04 pm

    My condolences to John’s family. John was an easy person to like, who always had a smile for you. Keeping all of you in my prayers.

    Reply

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