Joseph Francis Blaser, 89, of Leesburg, Virginia, formerly of Valley Stream, New York, died Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at his home in Leesburg, where he lived happily with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

Joe was born September 27, 1918 to the late Joseph Blaser and the late Helen Shea. He is predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Julie. Joe served in World War II, the Pacific for almost five years. He and Julie made their home for many years in Valley Stream, New York. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was employed by the City of New York.

He is survived by his daughters Joanne Seim and her husband Frederick of Leesburg, VA and Eileen Miller and her husband Raymond of Morrisville, PA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Rebecca, Kathryn and Joseph Coviello and Timothy, Ryan and Caroline Miller; his sister Eleanor Kerns of New York, as well as his nieces Kathy, MaryAnn and Gerri and their families.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 10:00 AM at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, King and Union Streets, Leesburg, VA. Interment St. John's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the National WW II Memorial, 2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 501, Arlington, VA 22201.