Obituary for Thomas J. Blank
Thomas J. Blank passed away at Hospice of Cincinnati, Anderson on Wednesday May 3, 2023 at the age of 94. Tom was born on March 5, 1929, in Newport, Kentucky to parents Joseph and Violet (Johns) Blank and was a life-long resident of the Cincinnati area.
Tom graduated from Newport High School, Xavier University and Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Although he said his law degree proved useful in business, he never practiced law. He was a great lover of music, studying voice in college and played the piano by ear. Tom served as a clerk in the Army during the Korean War "stateside" and always said that "a pencil was his best weapon."
Tom worked in the investment brokerage industry for most of his career. He started at Westheimer & Company where he became a partner in 1962. Subsequently he was a senior executive with Hayden, Stone and Gradison & Co. In 1980, with his good friends Bob Conger and Dick Sena, Tom organized the municipal bond firm of Blank, Conger & Sena. They remained in business until the late 80's and Tom considered these years the most rewarding of his career.
Tom married Lois Elaine Stacy on May 14, 1955 and they had two sons, Tom and Bob. He was a wonderful husband and father teaching his sons life lessons from an early age. A lover of baseball, which he played through high school, he was his sons' first baseball coach. Listening to the Reds on WLW with Dad was a nightly treat. He also introduced Tom and Bob to golf, which was a family affair that they loved and that has been passed down to younger generations. Elaine passed away in 1995. Tom was Elaine's loving and devoted caregiver for the last 4 years of her life.
In 1996, Tom married Marion ("Mern") Fissel who was a wonderful wife and companion for 27 years. They enjoyed their blended family and we are grateful for their time together and Mern's care of Tom, particularly during his last year.
In addition to Mern, Tom is survived by his sons Tom (Anne Marie) and Bob (Marcia). Tom always said that he had the two best daughters-in-law in the world! He has six loving grandchildren, Jeffrey (Elana), Peter (Kellie), Kevin (Lillian), Nicholas (Amanda), Michael and Caroline and six great grandchildren, Beau, Bastian, Aurélie, Asher, Olivia and Zoe. Also surviving are Mern's sons Barry (Paulette) Fissel and Craig (Lisa) Fissel and their children and grandchildren.
An important part of Tom's social life was his membership at Coldstream Country Club. A member since January 1964, he formed a number of life-long friendships there. Coldstream also created great family memories.
Tom will be remembered as considerate, thoughtful, generous and loyal. He never met a stranger and was known for befriending all those who crossed his path. He will be greatly missed, but we are comforted by remembering his guidance and love during his 94 years.
Visitation is Tuesday May 9th from 4:00-6:00 PM at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. Online condolences can be made at www.tpwhite.com. Interment will be private.
Tom graduated from Newport High School, Xavier University and Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Although he said his law degree proved useful in business, he never practiced law. He was a great lover of music, studying voice in college and played the piano by ear. Tom served as a clerk in the Army during the Korean War "stateside" and always said that "a pencil was his best weapon."
Tom worked in the investment brokerage industry for most of his career. He started at Westheimer & Company where he became a partner in 1962. Subsequently he was a senior executive with Hayden, Stone and Gradison & Co. In 1980, with his good friends Bob Conger and Dick Sena, Tom organized the municipal bond firm of Blank, Conger & Sena. They remained in business until the late 80's and Tom considered these years the most rewarding of his career.
Tom married Lois Elaine Stacy on May 14, 1955 and they had two sons, Tom and Bob. He was a wonderful husband and father teaching his sons life lessons from an early age. A lover of baseball, which he played through high school, he was his sons' first baseball coach. Listening to the Reds on WLW with Dad was a nightly treat. He also introduced Tom and Bob to golf, which was a family affair that they loved and that has been passed down to younger generations. Elaine passed away in 1995. Tom was Elaine's loving and devoted caregiver for the last 4 years of her life.
In 1996, Tom married Marion ("Mern") Fissel who was a wonderful wife and companion for 27 years. They enjoyed their blended family and we are grateful for their time together and Mern's care of Tom, particularly during his last year.
In addition to Mern, Tom is survived by his sons Tom (Anne Marie) and Bob (Marcia). Tom always said that he had the two best daughters-in-law in the world! He has six loving grandchildren, Jeffrey (Elana), Peter (Kellie), Kevin (Lillian), Nicholas (Amanda), Michael and Caroline and six great grandchildren, Beau, Bastian, Aurélie, Asher, Olivia and Zoe. Also surviving are Mern's sons Barry (Paulette) Fissel and Craig (Lisa) Fissel and their children and grandchildren.
An important part of Tom's social life was his membership at Coldstream Country Club. A member since January 1964, he formed a number of life-long friendships there. Coldstream also created great family memories.
Tom will be remembered as considerate, thoughtful, generous and loyal. He never met a stranger and was known for befriending all those who crossed his path. He will be greatly missed, but we are comforted by remembering his guidance and love during his 94 years.
Visitation is Tuesday May 9th from 4:00-6:00 PM at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. Online condolences can be made at www.tpwhite.com. Interment will be private.