Robert "Bob" L. Blasi

Bob was born in Cunningham, Kansas, September 24, 1930, to Grace (Kingsbury) and August "Gus" Blasi. He died September 27, 2023, in Littleton, Colorado. He grew up during the Depression in and around Pratt, Kansas alongside two sisters and five brothers. He spent his younger years doing farm chores; tending chickens, milking cows, etc., as well as athletic play, hunting, and fishing with his brothers. As a teenager, he lifeguarded at the local pool and worked the end of summer harvests.

In the spring of 1948, he graduated from Pratt High School and continued his education at Pratt Jr College. After one semester, he and five of his buddies joined the Navy. After a year of active duty, he returned to Pratt Jr College. He also worked the oil fields with his older brother, John. In 1951, Bob received a football scholarship to attend Colorado A&M (CSU); in 1952, he was grid squad captain and named an All-Skyline Conference Guard. Due to the loss of eligibility in his last year, he assisted the A&M football coaching staff. During this time, Bob met his future wife, Anne. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, Bob and Anne were married on June 30, 1954. They were together for over 67 years until Anne's passing on November 7, 2021.

Starting in the fall of 1954, Bob taught biology and coached football at Helena High School in Montana. After a school year in Montana, he joined Colorado State College (later UNC) as a football line coach until 1965. Bob then became head football coach from 1966-1985. During his time with Northern Colorado, he had over 100 wins and led the undefeated 1969 football team. Bob was twice initiated into the UNC Athletic Hall of Fame. For more on his career at UNC see: https://uncbears.com/news/2023/9/29/football-university-of-northern-colorado-mourns-passing-of-hall-of-fame-coach-bob-blasi.aspx 

After leaving UNC, Bob worked as manager of the fitness center, Work Out West. And a few years later, he joined Anne in the real estate business. In 2010, Bob was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.

With full retirement, Bob and Anne moved to Conifer, Colorado, where they had a new home and barn built. Bob always enjoyed outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hunting, raising/training hunting dogs, and carving/painting duck decoys. He also loved training and caring for his horses and riding them through the forest. After 23 years in Conifer, Bob and Anne moved down the hill to Littleton.

Bob is survived by his five children: Val (Alius Kaleda), Lori (Richard Shields), Brad, Doug (Sandy Andrade), and Chris; six grandchildren: Davis, Brandon, Jordan, Nicolas, Elizabeth, Robbie, and step-grandchild Sarah Shields, plus her two great-grandchildren Christian and Shepard. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

On November 2, there will be a private family and friends burial service at Ft. Logan Cemetery, at 10:00 a.m., staging area "C".  A public Celebration of Life will be held from 2:30-4:30 at UNC's 3rd-floor Panorama Room, University Center, 2101 10th Ave, Greeley.

In place of flowers, the family prefers donations made to:

UNC Quarterback Club, online at www.give2unc.org/quarterbackclub or mailed to the UNC Foundation, 1620 Reservoir Road, Greeley, CO 80631 or to The Denver Hospice, online at www.thedenverhospice.org or mailed to 8289 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230.

Please share memories and condolences with Bob's family by signing the guest book.