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LTC (Ret) Charles “Chuck” Louis Blische, Jr. joined his parents in heaven on February 2, 2017 at the age of 70. Chuck was born in Baltimore, MD and grew up in Dundalk, MD. He was a standout athlete and in 1993 was inducted into the Greater Dundalk Sports Hall of Fame. He played baseball, football, soccer and earned a lacrosse scholarship to the University of Maryland where he met his wife Maureen and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. While at UM he played lacrosse and soccer and in 1968 was drafted in the first round to play professional soccer by the Cleveland Stokers of the North American Pro Soccer League. Chuck chose instead to enlist in the Army and began a decorated military career that lasted 23 years and led to many stops throughout the United States and Europe. During his service he specialized in public affairs and earned his Master’s Degree in Public Relations from American University. He eventually retired in San Antonio, TX in 1993. His military honors and distinctions include: Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon (2), and the Army Staff Identification Badge. Following retirement, Chuck continued to work in the public relations/journalism field. He worked with the non-profit organization Starbase Kelly before moving to the San Antonio Sports Foundation and ultimately found his true passion while working for the San Antonio Fiesta Commission where he served for 10 years as Executive Director. During his tenure with the commission he was fortunate to develop lasting relationships with city officials and became a beloved representative of Fiesta and its long standing traditions in the city of San Antonio. Chuck’s passions revolved around sports and family. His love of soccer was evident throughout his life as he played for a number of years, coached each one of his four sons, and was a licensed referee. Once he was unable to play or coach, he became the family photographer and was present for most games, concerts and other family events. He was also an avid fisherman who took great pride in organizing the annual fishing trip for the entire family where he spent most of his time helping his grandchildren catch enough catfish for the evening fish fry. But his favorite moments tended to revolve around the grandkids and the pool, where he spent countless hours playing and teaching them to swim. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Maureen, his four sons and their wives, Charles III “Chip” and Michelle, Scott and Brigette, Kevin and Stephanie, Patrick and Beth, his 10 grandchildren Charles IV “Chad”, Parker, Colby, Julio, Yvonne, Liam, Emerson, Jackson, Lyla and Evelyn as well as his sister and her husband, Bonnie and John Dixon. Services at Mission Park Funeral Chapels Stone Oak Visitation: Monday, February 13th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm Memorial Service: Tuesday, February 14th at 11:30am Interment: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:30pm Celebration of Life: Fiesta San Antonio Commission (2611 Broadway) immediately following interment In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to be made in Chuck’s name to the Fiesta Commission Charitable Corporation – http://www.fiesta-sa.org/p/Get-Involved/600

Tributes

LTC (Ret) Charles Louis Blische Jr

May 25, 1946 - February 2, 2017