ILION – Joseph E. Bleaking, age 93, of Harriet Avenue, passed away on Wednesday December 28, 2022 in Foltsbrook Center, Herkimer. Joseph was born March 21, 1929 in Herkimer, a son of the late Henry and Elsie (Ford) Bleaking. He was raised and educated in Herkimer graduating with the class of 1947 from Herkimer High School. He honorably served our nation as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1950 until 1952. On August 2, 1958 he married the former Patricia Sluyter in Annunciation Church in Ilion, a blessed union of sixty five years. He started his career in banking with First National Bank in Ilion then later with HSBC in Middleville then again in Ilion. He lived a very active life, he enjoyed bowling and played in the Seniors League. He was a devout Catholic, in his youth serving as an Altar Boy at St. Francis deSales Church. He enjoyed being with his family especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving him besides his wife Patricia, are a son Paul Bleaking and his fiancé Laurie of Madison, a daughter JoEllen Mula and her husband James of East Herkimer, seven grandchildren, James Mula and his wife Tammy, Mark Mula and his wife Kristen, Alyssa Mula and fiancé, Charlie, Brian Mula and his girlfriend Cassie, Danny Bleaking, three great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his two sisters Catherine LaFlair and Alice Allen. Calling hours for Mr. Bleaking will be on Wednesday June7th from 4:00-6:00pm in Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court Street, Herkimer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrating Thursday June 8th at 10:00am in St. Francis deSales Church, Herkimer. Burial with Military Honors will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory with donations to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home at the time of services. The family would like to express their sincere thank you to the staff of FoltsBrook for the companion shown to Joe during his stay. Calling Hours

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court St. Herkimer, New York 13350 Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, June 8, 2023 10:00 AM

St. Francis deSales Church N. Bellinger Street Herkimer, NY 13350