Edward Martin Bleser of Southbury, died peacefully at the age of 98 on January 16. The son of Edward and Caroline Bleser, he was born in Mamaroneck, NY on March 29, 1908. A CPA, he was employed by the Anaconda Copper Company in NYC until 1942 when he joined the Anaconda American Brass Company in Waterbury. Becoming Treasurer, Mr. Bleser revamped the financial management of the company, installing the procedures necessary for a nationwide, multi-centered industrial concern. He also developed for the company its initial company funded health insurance program, retiring in 1972. Prior to his retirement, he applied his skills at financial management to the benefit of a number of other local organizations, including the Finance Committee of the Town of Middlebury, his home for fifty years. After retirement, Mr. Bleser served for many years as chairman of the Middlebury Republican Town Committee, from which he derived great enjoyment. His beloved wife of 70 years, Lillian Johnson Bleser, predeceased him by four years. He is survived by a son, Edward, of Bellport, NY, a grandson, Gerald Rothrock of McLean, VA and a great-granddaughter, Caroline. His second son Warren, died mountain climbing in the Alps.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be made to the Middlebury Congregational Church, 1242 Whittemore Road, Middlebury, 06762.

Cemetery: Middlebury Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Services: Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 11 am Monday.

Visitation: Friends may call at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St, on Sunday, from 3 to 5 pm and on Monday from 10 to 11 am.