Obituary of Harry J. Bliss

Bliss, Harry J. Rochester: Harry J. Bliss, a longtime fixture in the Rochester art community and residing at The Episcopal Church Home, died peacefully Friday, July 10 at the age of 92. Harry was born in 1923 to Freda and Charlie Bliss in the backwoods mill town of Sheffield, Pennsylvania and grew up in neighboring towns along with his 4 brothers, Edward, Leon, Jack and Ken. He married Elvira Rydholm in 1949 and after serving his country in World War 2 attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where he studied art and design. After graduating, he worked as a graphic designer in the Philadelphia area until shortly thereafter when he moved to Rochester where he co-founded the design firm Studio Five. Simultaneously, he worked diligently at perfecting his own personal art which would bring him innumerable awards in local, national and international art exhibitions. Later, specializing as an illustrator he was commissioned by The National Geographic Society to provide artworks for their prestigious publications. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends for his often-times playful manner, his incessant philosophizing and his fascination for the little, often ignored miracles of every-day life. Surviving him are his 2 brothers Jack and Ken, his 4 children, Tom, Jim, Phil and Ann, and 2 grandchildren, Hannah and Jamie Pilcher. A memorial service and gathering will be held in his honor at The Memorial Art Gallery at 10:00 AM, August 1. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donation suggestions will be available at the service.