Bryan Blas

Bryan A. Blas, 76, passed away on May 9, 2025, after a short illness. He is predeceased by his parents: Seymour and Mildred Blas of Kingston, his brother, Howard Blas of Kingston, and his sister, Rose Blas of Kingston. He is survived by his partner, Paul De Bei, as well as his siblings: Clifford Blas of Kingston, Helen Blas-Wilson (Jim) of Petaluma, CA, and Joellen Blas of Kingston. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews – Jessica Singer (Michael) of Newton, MA, Shaina Blas of Kingston, Becca Blas of Thornton, CO, Russell Wilson (Esther) of Arvada, CO, Rosamond Wilson of Belfair, WA, Kaylah Reichert (William) of Novato, CA, Devon McCutcheon of Worcester, MA, and Natasha McCutcheon of Kingston as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Bryan was born on December 10, 1948, in Astoria, NY. The family moved to Tivoli, NY before settling in Kingston in 1959. He graduated from Kingston High School in 1966. He went on to study at SUNY Ulster and was a member of the first graduating class from the Stone Ridge Campus. He continued his studies at SUNY Buffalo, eventually achieving his MA in Art Teaching. After graduation, he was drafted into the US Army where he was stationed at the Pentagon as an illustrator. After his time in the Army, he worked as a substitute teacher for Poughkeepsie City Schools before taking a job with the United States Post Office, which he retired from.

Bryan had a deep passion for anything old. He was an avid antique collector and an award-winning owner of a 1939 Buick Coupe which he brought to local car shows with his sister, Joellen. He was a man of many talents, including astronomy, and he was a professional multi-faceted artist. He once crafted a paper sculpture of the Old Kingston City Hall which was later presented to the late Mayor T.R. Gallo. He was an avid history buff and was especially well versed in local Kingston and Ulster County history. He was very active with the Catskill Mountain Railroad where he could be found oftentimes as the train’s conductor.

He will be laid to rest Tuesday, May 13 at 10AM at Montrepose Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are courtesy of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, with Rabbi Jack Sherratt of Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley presiding over the graveside service. The family will be sitting shiva on Tuesday at 54 Linderman Avenue following the service until 7pm. Then also on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4:30pm to 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Catskill Mountain Railroad or Rainbow Coalition. A tribute for Bryan can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.