Robert H. Blasko, 91, of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, died September 27, 2023, at his home.
He was born April 3, 1932, in Bradenville, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Andrew and Helen Blasko. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Elliot Company as a Tool & Die Maker. He was a member of St. Agnes Church where he sang in the choir and enjoyed woodworking.
In 2003, Blasko rescued a woman from assault in White Oak, Pennsylvania. The 46-year-old woman was arguing with her boyfriend, 36, in the parking lot of a strip mall when the boyfriend grabbed hold of her and began to shake her. Blasko, then 71, was sitting inside his vehicle parked nearby and witnessed the assault. He exited the vehicle and approached the couple, yelling at the man to distract him. Blasko and the assailant then engaged in a struggle, after which Blasko took a few steps back. The assailant suddenly set upon him, striking him repeatedly in the face and sending him hard to the pavement. The enraged man then fled but was shortly apprehended by police. Blasko required extensive hospitalization for treatment, including surgery, of severe injuries, and a period of rehabilitation. He received the Carnegie Medal in 2006 for his heroism in the incident.
Blasko is survived by his wife, Marcella Jugan Blasko, son Robert D. Blasko, daughters Debra Mainiero and Diane Blasko, two brothers, Charles and Byron Blasko, and one grandchild, Daniel.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas, George, and Andrew Blasko.