Benjamin Blaha

Class of 1984

Posted on: 8/21/2007 6:10:08 PM

Benjamin Drew Blaha, 40, of Springdale, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, in his home. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and grandfather, who was greatly loved and will be sadly missed. Born Aug. 30, 1966, in Washington, Pa., he was a 1984 graduate of Gateway High School in Monroeville. A journeyman electrician, he completed the Local 5 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Apprenticeship and was employed by Wellington Contracting in Pittsburgh, which has the electrical contract for the new Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was of the United Methodist faith. An accomplished musician, he played the piano and guitar. He was a member of a roller hockey league and was an ice hockey fan. Ben loved to work outdoors, ride dirt bikes, snow ski, care for his dogs, build model rockets and spend time with his family, especially his daughter and granddaughter. Survivors include his wife, Christina R. (Hanulik) Blaha; children, Alaina Elias, of Trafford, Bradly (Natascha Medina) Walsh, of Springdale, and Elias Dorinsky, of Springdale; parents, Nora Lorraine (Kreps) Blaha Malcolm (and partner Sam), of Pittsburgh, and the Rev. Wesley (Cindy) Blaha, of Monroeville; siblings, Robert Blaha, of Waterford, Rebecca Blaha, of Villa Rica, Ga., and Susanna Blaha, of Tarentum; stepbrother, Matthew (Kristie) Delle Donne, of Murrysville; stepsister, Lara Delle Donne, of New York, N.Y.; granddaughter, Serena Walsh, of Springdale; and nieces, Michelle Blaha, of Strongsville, Ohio, and Ashlyn Pavlik-Blaha, of Tarentum; mother-in-law, Mary Sophie Hanulik, of Cheswik. Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; father-in-law, Emil Hanulik Sr.; and brother-in-law, Stephen E. Hanulik.