Fr. Jan Blonski

Father Joachim Jan Blonski

March 30, 1948 - October 25, 2025

Father Blonski (affectionately known as "Father 'Joe") was born in Danbury, Connecticut on March 30, 1948 to Walter and Margaret Blonski. He is survived by his brother, Ronald Blonski and his wife, Cathy and nephew, Steven Blonski and niece, Rebecca McNeil and their respective children.

Father Joe was a priest of the Diocese of Gallup, NM., a Roman Catholic Diocese that serves seven major Native American reservations in both New Mexico and Arizona. Most recently Father Joe was the Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in St. Johns, AZ and San Raphael Mission in Concho, AZ. He served in the Diocese of Gallup for over 51 years.

Father Joe was a graduate of Syracuse University receiving a degree in Geology. After college he sought out religious life first serving the poor teaching with a group of Catholic Religious Brothers in Philadelphia. In 1974 he made his way out to Gallup, NM as a volunteer with the Diocese of Gallup. Fr Joe first taught at Sacred Heart Cathedral High in Gallup and served as a dorm advisor for Native American boys at Cristo Rey Academy. In 1977 he entered a new Religious order, the Brothers of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was at this time he took the Religious name "Joachim" and thenceforth was known as Brother (Father) Joe. He served as a Brother for 11 years and had various ministerial and teaching assignments including teaching at St. Michael's Indian School on the Navajo Reservation and being project manager for the Southwest Indian Foundation.

In 1988 Brother Joachim decided he would enter the Seminary to become a priest of the Diocese of Gallup. He attended the seminary at St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Mass. He was ordained a Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Gallup December 12, 1992. Father Joe served as Parochial Vicar and Pastor of various parishes and missions both in New Mexico and Arizona. He also served in various offices and special ministries in the Diocese of Gallup. Among these were the Vicar for Priests, member of the Presbyteral Council, member of the College of Consultors, Vocation Director, Pro-Life Director for the Diocese of Gallup and Chaplain to St. Anthony Catholic School. Father Joe was also a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and served as chaplain for various councils of the Knights. He also was Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary.

Fr Joe was well known for his wonderful sense of humor and his love of music and song often having a tune on his lips. He always had a heart for the poor and all those in desperate circumstances. He did everything he could to help them. He had a desire to help everyone in this world and help all home to heaven spending hours in the confessional and celebrating the Mass and other sacraments faithfully. Father Joe loved to teach and instruct others in the Catholic Faith sharing with them his love of Jesus and the salvation that the Lord has wrought for us. He loved to work with Youth serving as the spiritual advisor to the "Search" Youth Retreats and he took groups of Youth to a number of World Youth days with the Popes.

Viewing/ Visitation Friday October 31, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. with Vigil Service/Rosary at St Rita Catholic Church, 1400 E. Owens, Show Low, AZ.

Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, 203 E. Commercial Street, St. Johns, AZ at 11:00 A.M. Saturday November 1, 2025 preceded by visitation and Rosary beginning at 9:00 P.M.