Maynard E. Blask

In Loving Memory of Maynard E. Blask

July 23, 1929 – March 15, 2026

LITTLE FALLS - Maynard Blask, a beloved resident of Little Falls, New York, passed away peacefully in the evening of March 15th at the age of 96. On his final day he was surrounded by his family. He was the son of Paul and Mary (Miller) from Middleville, New York. Maynard was preceded in death by his brothers Vince, Anthony, Paul, and Bernie, as well as his sisters Pauline (Plink) Ozog and Irene Walczak.

In 1950, he married Gloria Anne Pullen, who passed away in 1977. Together, they had six children: Michael (Margaret), Michele Swift, Mary Beth (Bernard) Jodway, Mark (Stephanie), Melissa (Jami), and Matthew. Maynard’s legacy includes 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, maintaining close relationships with all. Maynard affectionately referred to his extended family as “The Polish Army”.

Known to many as “Coach”, Maynard’s life was closely intertwined with sports. During his service in the Navy, he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where he played third base for the Norfolk City baseball team. It was there that he met his future wife, Gloria, after arranging a date with the coach’s daughter. Two years later, they married and started their family. After completing his military service, Maynard attended Ithaca College where he played on both the baseball and basketball teams. Upon graduation, he returned to the Mohawk Valley, where he proceeded to dedicate many years to teaching and coaching at West Canada, Little Falls, and Herkimer schools. Maynard treasured the strong relationships he built with former players and loved reminiscing with them about sports and life.

In the 1970s, while teaching in Little Falls, Maynard noticed that students had to wait until high school to play organized basketball. To address this, he created the “Blask League” for students of all ages to practice and play games at St. Mary’s gym for many years. This league is fondly remembered throughout Little Falls.

In 1975, Maynard joined a group led by Mayor Ted Wind to bring a professional baseball team to Little Falls. Their efforts led to the establishment of the Little Falls Mets, a farm team of the New York Mets, which began playing at Veteran’s Memorial Park in 1977. As General Manager, Maynard built lasting relationships with players and coaches. Even after the Mets left, he worked diligently to ensure that summer baseball continued at Vet’s Park, a tradition that has lasted for nearly five decades. In 2013, for his dedication to the sport, Maynard was inducted into the Mohawk Valley Baseball Hall of Fame.

Maynard’s passion for baseball was also evident in his coaching at Herkimer, where his teams won several sectional titles and reached the state final four. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and rarely missed a game on television. His enthusiasm once led him to drive to St. Louis in hopes of meeting his favorite player, Stan Musial. Although he did not meet Stan, he quickly made friends with the local Ladies Group who invited him to lunch, demonstrating his ability to connect with people everywhere he went.

In the 1950s, Maynard and his brother Bernie built a camp on Moose River, affectionately known as Camp Kill a Keg. Despite its designation as a hunting camp, the deer of the Adirondacks were never safer. Maynard enjoyed sharing his sense of humor with visitors, famously hanging a rotary phone on a pine tree and joking that the phone number was “tree, tree tree……tree, tree, tree, tree.” For over forty years, Maynard and Bernie welcomed friends and family to the camp, where Maynard’s hospitality was evident—he always ensured a warm fire, a stocked fridge and a homemade Polish dish awaited every guest. The Adirondacks held a special place in his heart.

Maynard was deeply devoted to the city of Little Falls and played an active role within his community. He was on the Common Council for twenty-two years and spent many years on the city’s Police and Fire Commission. He was a dedicated member of several local organizations. He belonged to the American Legion for 50 years, showing steadfast support for veterans and community causes. His involvement with the Elks Lodge spanned over six decades, during which time he was honored as Elk of the Year for his outstanding contributions and commitment to the Lodge. Throughout his life, Maynard generously volunteered his time and energy to improve the community he cherished. His faith was very important to him, displayed by his active membership of Holy Family Parish (St. Mary’s). His efforts made a lasting impact on Little Falls, reflecting his passion for service and his desire to make his city a better place for all.

Maynard will be remembered as a loving man who embraced life and always took time to put a smile on people’s faces. His legacy of laughter, kindness and love of family will live on in all who knew him. His obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, at 10:30 AM at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls, New York, and at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Parish Church, corner of East Main & John Streets in Little Falls where his Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated. Interment will take place later this spring with full military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery, town of Herkimer.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend calling hours for Maynard at The Enea Family Funeral Home, Little Falls, on Monday, March 23rd, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and attend the funeral services on Tuesday as well. Members of the Little Falls American Legion Post #31 are asked to perform ritualistic services at the funeral home on Monday at 6:15PM and the Little Falls Elks Lodge BPOE #42 will perform ritualistic services Monday evening at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

It is the wish of the family that contributions in loving memory of Maynard be considered to The Little Falls Elks Lodge BPOE #42, General Fund, and envelopes will be available at the funeral home for this purpose.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 823-2424.