Richard Martin Blizzard

Richard Martin Blizzard (Rick), passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.  Rick went through many years of pain and suffering but at last is resting peacefully.  A WWII baby, born May 5, 1944 in Winchester, England to 29th Division Army Serviceman, John O. Blizzard and British Army Servicewoman, Alan M. Blizzard (Carter).

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Rose Lynn Blizzard (Hooper), his stepdaughters Alison Schreefel and husband Chanse, Erin Traenkner and husband Eric, and Lauren Dauzat and husband Tom Tehansky.  In addition, Rick is survived by his sister Mary Blizzard and husband, Mike Litwin, and nephews Ben Clements, Max Litwin, and grand-nephew Cal Litwin, all of Bloomington, IN. 

Rick was predeceased by his half-brother John O. Blizzard, of New York.

Rick crossed the Atlantic seven times before he was ten years old.  His avid love for traveling stayed with him throughout his life, proud to have visited all fifty states and seventeen different countries.  Rick’s high school years between McDonough and Westminster High were highlighted as President of the Chess Club, but more importantly, pool champion three years running.  As a teenager, Riffles was his second home.  Working at Snaks by George, after school, (where Plum Crazy is now), Rick became friends with several Colt football players that would hang out there after football practice at then, Western Maryland College.  Later, when Rick served in the Navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk CVA, during a stint in Vietnam, Colt quarterback, Johnny Unitas visited the ship.  Unitas remembered Rick and called Rick’s mother when he returned stateside to tell her Rick was okay.

Leaving the Navy, Rick went to work for 37 years with American Totalisator (AmTote).  Rick loved the Orioles, Colts, and Ravens and frequently gathered with friends to watch the games.  His creative woodworking skills were evident in the home projects he so loved doing.

Rick always had a dog by his side from Davey Crocket to Cassie and Chapin, and many more too numerous to list.  His most beloved was his Great Dane service dog, Barrett.  He went nowhere without Barrett and townspeople were all well acquainted with Rick and his best buddy.

Rick’s well developed; British sense of humor will be missed by many. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to BridgingLife and mail to BridgingLife Development Office, 200 Memorial Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157 or the Veterans Independence Project, 95 Carroll Street, Suite 104, Westminster, MD 21157.  Both services offered were deeply appreciated and comforting.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, 254 E. Main St., Westminster.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

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