Werner 'Dan' Blash

Werner "Dan" Blash was known as a modern Hercules. He faced his trials with incredible strength, a well of patience, and possessed an insurmountable bravery. Like most heroes, they are mortal, and time takes its toll. The illnesses that burdened him tore him away from his family's side on Monday, November 18th, 2019 in Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. He was 72.

He lived and loved with his entire being and was passionate about many things. He was an eighth-degree black belt who taught hundreds of people in his Lincoln Street studio, Worcester Tae Kwon Do Academy, for over eleven years. Dan had a wide variety of interests and hobbies, including coins, stamps, baseball cards and comic books. He loved his family, had a vast network of dear friends, and adored his dog, Brynn.

Dan was born August 14th, 1947 in Berlin, Germany - a son of Else Frieda (Schulze) and Francis Blash. He immigrated to the United States in 1962. After attending North High School, he honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army. He was stationed in South Korea and in Vietnam. On July 18th, 1987, he married West Boylston native Elizabeth C. Connor at Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, New Hampshire. They have lived over twenty years in Auburn.

He worked for many years with the United States Postal Service as a mail handler in the Westborough branch, and later in Springfield before retiring in 2010.

His family offers heartfelt thanks to Dr. Robert Black and the Dialysis Team at St. Vincent's Hospital for their compassion and support, and to the ICU team at Massachusetts General Hospital for their comfort in such a difficult time.

Honor Dan's memory and consider organ donation, both now in life and perhaps later in death. It's a life-saving gift.

In addition to his wife of 32 years, Liz, their children, Ellen F. Blash of Göttingen, Germany, Daniel J. Blash and James W. Blash, both of Auburn; his brother, Francis Blash of Whitinsvillle; in-laws: Jim and Renee Connor of Portola Valley, California, Judy and Kevin Smith of Holden, Susan and Joel Fife of Worcester, Mary and Dave Comerata of Houston, Texas and Diane O'Packi (late Tom) of Sterling; many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Dan's life by gathering for calling hours in Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn, on Saturday, November 23rd from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. followed by his funeral service celebrated at 1 p.m. Rev. Andrew H. Borden, Pastor will officiate. Military honors will follow the service. Burial in North Cemetery, Oxford is private.

Memorials in his name may be made to the Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 0160

Arrangements by James & John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home.