Lindenhurst's Robert Blennau Sr. dies

Robert C. Blennau Sr., of Polo Park, Fla., was a legend in his hometown of Lindenhurst, and for good reason.

A standout athlete, he racked up honors in baseball, basketball and football at Lindenhurst High School, his on-field feats frequently making headlines as he earned letters in each sport. In 1953, The Star newspaper hailed the 15-year-old as "one of the surest fielders and one of the most dangerous stickers in the county."

Embracing his civic duty, he was selected Junior Mayor of the town in his senior year of high school and promptly went to work on legislation that created a year-round youth center and installed lockers at the village beach.

As a young soldier, he was part of the honor guard that protects the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

Blennau, who went on to work as a machinist for various Long Island firms, died July 23 of heart failure at Florida Hospital in Orlando. He was 77.

"He was happy-go-lucky," said Robert Blennau Jr., of Lindenhurst, a son and driver for Newsday. "Everybody loved him. He touched a lot of people's hearts -- always there when his friends needed a hand. He was a real fix-it type of guy."

Blennau said his barrel-chested father was an endearing man.

SEE PHOTOSNotable deaths: Long Islanders we recently lost

He taught electronics to high school students at the Lindenhurst BOCES with the same zeal that he used coaching Little League. He was a master of his trade and worked for respected firms, including Republic Fairchild, Thomson Industries and Russell Plastic, the family said.

"He was a great dad, great father," Blennau said. "I'm going to miss him so much."

Born in Queens, Robert Blennau moved to Lindenhurst with his family when he was very young. He graduated from high school in 1953 and joined the Army the following year. He was selected from thousands of applicants for a position in the prestigious 3rd U.S. Infantry honor guard.

He also excelled in the military boxing ring, the 160-pounder racking up an impressive record of 13 wins and no losses with a nom de guerre of "Kid Canalle Blennau."

Blennau left the Army in 1956 and was twice married, the first union producing two sons and a daughter. His second wife died. He retired in 1997 at 62.

Besides Blennau Jr., he is survived by a daughter, Toniann Soncini, of Holbrook; and a son, Scott, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Calverton National Cemetery.