Maynard E. Blask

Maynard E. Blask, a lifelong resident of Little Falls, New York, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by his family. Born on July 23, 1929, in Middleville, New York, he was the son of Paul and Mary (Miller) Blask. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Anne Pullen, whom he married in 1950, and by his siblings: brothers Vince, Anthony, Paul, and Bernie, and sisters Pauline (Plink) Ozog and Irene Walczak.

Maynard, affectionately known as “Coach,” lived a life deeply connected to family, sports, and community. After serving in the Navy and playing third base for the Norfolk City baseball team in Virginia—where he first met Gloria—he attended Ithaca College, competing on both the baseball and basketball teams. He returned to the Mohawk Valley and spent many years teaching and coaching at West Canada, Little Falls, and Herkimer schools, forging lasting bonds with his players. In the 1970s, he founded the Blask League to give younger students the chance to play organized basketball. He played a key role in bringing the Little Falls Mets to town in 1977, serving as General Manager, and worked tirelessly to keep summer baseball alive at Veteran’s Memorial Park for nearly five decades. In 2013, he was inducted into the Mohawk Valley Baseball Hall of Fame. A devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Maynard cherished the game and the friendships it brought him throughout his life.

He and his brother Bernie built a beloved hunting camp on Moose River in the 1950s, known as Camp Kill a Keg, where they hosted family and friends for over forty years. Maynard’s warmth, humor, and hospitality—complete with a warm fire, stocked fridge, and homemade Polish dishes—made the Adirondacks a special place for all who visited. He remained deeply committed to Little Falls, serving twenty-two years on the Common Council, many years on the Police and Fire Commission, and as a longtime member of the American Legion and Elks Lodge, where he was named Elk of the Year. His faith was central to his life through his active involvement at Holy Family Parish (St. Mary’s).

Maynard is survived by his six children—Michael (Margaret), Michele Swift, Mary Beth (Bernard) Jodway, Mark (Stephanie), Melissa (Jami), and Matthew—along with twelve grandchildren: Eric (Jen), Brian (Logan), Andrew, Adam (Natalia), Corky, Alyssa (Zach), Benjamin (Katherine), Kaitlin (Pat), Zachary (Cat), Madison, Matthew (Miranda), and Jackson—and twelve great-grandchildren: Noah, Olivia, Spencer, Emerson, Annabella, Samuel, Sage, Pierce, Hazel, Chase, Mila, and Frances. He was also cherished by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom he fondly called “The Polish Army.” He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, love of family, and the many lives he touched through his passion for sports and service to his community.