Bill Blenko - Milton Resident

WIlliam H. "Bill" Blenko Jr has spent much of his life in Milton, West Virginia. He loves the town and the people of Milton like Mr. Blenko.

A petition was passed recently to rename the road infront of BLENKO GLASS FACTORY to BILL BLENKO DRIVE. Last summer there was a BILL BLENKO DAY.

Mr. Bill Blenko is a very modest, gentle, man who doesn't like for people to make a 'fuss' over him. His view of BLENKO GLASS is one of 'family' he treats the employees, and volunteers much like a giant group of family members. He acknowledges his concern if they 'smoke' or eat high cholesterol diets. He knows the name of each employee, and will often ask them about their fathers, uncles and other relatives. Mr. Bill Blenko has forgotten more about the Glass Industry than most people will ever have the opportunity to learn.

We had the pleasure of spending an hour or so with him yesterday, just 'hanging out' walking around the plant, and 'talking' about the 'old days.'

William H. Blenko Jr., was born in Lancaster, Ohio in 1921. After graduating from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Bill Jr. joined the United States Air Force where he served in England as a Captain. This is also where he met his bride to be, Jeanne. In 1946, after serving his time in the 8th Air Force, William H. Blenko Jr., became the 3rd generation to join the family business of glass making. By 1969 Bill Jr. was appointed President of the company. He is a member of several associations including:
One of only 12 Lifetime members of the Glass Art Society **
Lifetime member of the Stained Glass Association.
American association of Glass and Pottery Manufacturers.
American Ceramic Society.
American Legion-VFW
Kentucky Colonel
William H. Blenko Jr. is still active in the company as Chairman.

** Blenko Project friends Marvin Lipofsky www.marvinlipofsky.com and Henry Halem www.artcoinc.com/halem. are Founding GAS Members