Lynn Arthur Bliven of Concord, N.C., passed away peacefully on Friday, June 4, 2021, at the Preston House in Charlotte, N.C. His final days were spent surrounded by loving family. He was 74 years old.
Lynn was the youngest son of Wallace and Mary McDonald Bliven born on July 1, 1946, in Middletown.
Lynn grew up in Middletown’s Washington Heights neighborhood and graduated from Middletown High School.
In the 1960’s Lynn proudly served his country the United States Army in Vietnam.
He went on to work as a line foreman at Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. for 34 years.
A devoted and loving father to Shawn and Tracy Lynne Bliven, Lynn embraced fatherhood and could be found playing catch in the yard after dinner, working on a bike, or in the yard with his beloved wife and dog Heidi by his side.
In 1968 Lynn married Kathleen Gargiulo in Goshen. Together for 52 years they enjoyed cooking, traveling in their motorhome, auto racing and entertaining family and friends. They decided to retire to Concord, N.C., in 2012 where they met many supportive neighbors.
You often found Lynn in the garage working on a home improvement project, on his truck/motorhome, or in the yard while listening to classic country music.
His things were always very neat and clean, he loved to do laundry! Lynn loved animals, especially Becky, Heidi, Teddy and Tonka Jameson. And he could never turn down a bowl of ice cream.
He was a longtime patriot of Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, beginning early on cheering for his brother (#19).
Every Saturday night you knew where to find Lynn; in the cover grandstands surrounded by lifelong friends. He truly enjoyed the sport of DIRT and NASCAR racing.
Lynn also enjoyed playing golf participating in a league with co-workers. He bowled every Wednesday night for years at Middletown Lanes, winning multiple championships as well as bringing home plenty of trophies.
Lynn was a devoted husband and father; his family was well provided for. He was a hardworking man and loved by many.
Lynn is survived by his wife Kathleen Bliven of Concord, N.C., his son Shawn Bliven of Concord, N.C., and his daughter Tracy Lynne Bliven of Arvada, Co.
In addition to his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by his brother, Fredrick Bliven. He also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.
Visitation was held Sept. 16 at Donovan’s Funeral Home in Goshen.
A burial was held at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Middletown on Sept. 17.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Hospice and Palliative Care, 7845 Little Ave, Charlotte, NC 28226 and Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675.
Arrangements by Donovan Funeral Home, Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.