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Blaise Andrew Michaels, 71, of Altoona, passed away Monday at home in the loving arms of his wife and family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A husband, a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend, Blaise was preceded in death by his late wife Barbara Michaels, father J. David Michaels; mother, Sylvia Michaels; sister, Coleen Jerome; brother-in-law, Philip DiNenno; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Survived by his wife, Michele (Shelly) of Altoona; her daughters, son, and their children; brother, David Michaels, Annapolis, Md.; sister, Amy (John) Kittell, Stafford, Va.; brother-in-law, (Mark) Jerome, Charlotte, N.C.; sister, Marianne (Michael) Starchville, Youngsville, N.C.; sister, Linda DiNenno, Finksburg, Md.; brother, Gregory Michaels, Boonsboro, Md.; and sister, Patrice (Anthony) Andrews, Queenstown, Md.; 18 nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Portage Area High School in 1972. He attended Juniata College in pre-med obtaining a degree in Liberal Arts and later receiving certification for Project Management at Penn State Altoona. Blaise began his career in construction in high school and enjoyed a career for L.R. Kimball in the Architecture and Engineering division. He was in project management with different markets and positions lasting more than 30 years and a member of the Portage Area Regional Planning Commission. Blaise was active in his community, overseeing construction for Garvey Manor and holding a seat as a member of the board.
As the stoic patriarch of the family, He had the prose of Shakespeare, the smarts of Einstein and the acceptance of Kinsey.
Blaise enjoyed old Westerns and was a season ticket holder for Pittsburgh Steeler football. After becoming a widower from the passing of Barbie; Blaise built a new chapter, traveling abroad to Europe with his sister, brother-in-law and niece.
Blaise fell in love again and married Shelly Dec. 22, 2022. They have enjoyed unforgettable trips to Florida and a cruise to Amsterdam. He was a faithful husband, equitable (stepfather) steadfast son, resolute uncle and friend.
Blaise and Shelly are grateful for the cards, thoughts and prayers that were extended during his illness. The family holds deep gratitude and love to Patty Andrews for all of her guidance, support and care to Blaise during his battle with cancer.
Blaise enjoyed weekly outings catching up with friends, and wrapping up festivities at the renowned Zach's with regular travels locally to his camp in Potter county and lodging on houseboats at Raystown Lake.
Blaise was an entertainer, a niche that came naturally for all special occasions including cooking and grilling with special techniques. He took pride in his family home and yard. He was an excellent drummer and bongo player - ready to jump in with any band as the party drew into the night, creating remarkable memories. A curator of all spirits, he famously greeted guests asking "what are you having?" Blaise will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a Vigil service will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Alan E. Thomas, celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to: Garvey Manor Nursing Home: garveymanor.org/ways-to-give/donations/
sorgefuneralhome.com