Obituaries

Celebrating the Life of John Paul Dornblazer

John Paul Dornblazer, of Elkins, West Virginia, departed this world on May 19, 2018, after a short and courageous struggle with cancer.   He was born on January 20, 1955 in Elkins, WV to George Henry Dornblazer, Jr and Mary “Jane” Boyer Dornblazer.  He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Leslie Ann Brant and his loyal dogs, Dante’ and Ziljian. He is survived by his daughter, Mara Elizabeth and son-in- law, James Matthew Dudley.  Also surviving is brother, G.H. Dornblazer and his wife, Ann and their daughter Emily; and wife, Marsha Marquess who resides in Julian, North Carolina.  He is also survived by the mother of his daughter and former wife, Toni Marascio Williams and her husband Timothy.

John graduated from Elkins High School in 1973 with high scholastic recognition while being active in many extracurricular activities including band, theater and Key Club.  He graduated from West Virginia University with BS degree in Civil Engineering in 1977. He attained his Professional Engineering Certification in 1982.  Throughout his professional career he worked  in several facets of civil engineering,   with the past 7 years, among remarkable coworkers, in the Division of Mining and Reclamation Permitting Group in Philippi.  He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, T. Moore Jackson Chapter. He has served as MATHCOUNTS Competition Coordinator for Harrison County since 1984.

John’s  love and enthusiasm for the his home in Elkins and the Mountain State Forest Festival originates  from his grandfather, George H Dornblazer,  who served in 1930 as the Director General of the first Forest Festival. He enjoyed seeing old friends during the festivities and parade get-togethers. Other Elkins activities he delighted was being with the guys for Poker Night and the  spring weekend Pole Cat Rampage, a gathering of men partaking of ramps and marking the end of winter.  This by invitation only event, originating in spring of 1961, was attended by his father, George H, Jr. and has since been a generational tradition.

Though John had many interests throughout his life, reading, music and the arts were enduring passions.  He was a talented and intuitive percussionist and played notably in his later years with Shinnston Community Band, WV Highlander Bagpipe Band (Elkins), Pipes & Drums of St. Andrew (Parkersburg) and Wake and District Raleigh’s Bagpipe and Drum Band(NC). His coworkers said they could hear John frequently tapping a rhythm at his desk.  He also participated in several different theater groups as stage crew, technical crew and performer.  Other interests include camping, backpacking, hunting, firearms and photography.

John was known to many people as being boldly outspoken about his views on life.  However, friends and family will say that John was foremost extremely passionate and proud of his daughter. She, in turn, fervently took on the role of advocating for his medical care.  He was known for his vibrant jokes and stories, fondness of “Mutts” cartoon, and his retention of a multitude of information, particularly math and trivial in nature. He did that so well, many said he should be on Jeopardy!  He was an old movie aficionado and he delighted in taking his daughter to the movies.  Being unique in many aspects, he was a collector of family and Elkins history and heirlooms.  He passed on many life lessons and memorable moments to his family and friends and coworkers. In keeping with his humorous sarcastic nature, upon learning of his diagnosis, John said “Well, I had a good run.”

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Elkins, WV.  It was John’s wish to be cremated.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 315 Kearns Avenue, Elkins, WV, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2018 with Reverend Brian Seders presiding.

Anyone familiar with John knew he loved music, so family and friends are getting together to honor his life with music, laughs and loving stories at Smoke on the Water, 1455 Allegheny Hwy, Rt. 33, Elkins, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m.

Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.