Eugene H. Blabey II – who combined careers in journalism and railroads – passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born April 3, 1939 in Albany, NY.

Mr. Blabey (Gene) was United Press International’s Vice-President for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He also served as Chairman of UPI’s British Subsidiary. He started his career in journalism as Bureau Manager of UPI in Rochester, NY. Gene Blabey was recognized for his coverage of the Rochester Race Riots and the Cornell University Student Takeover. After working in UPI’s domestic bureaus, he was transferred to London, where he took over UPI’s British Subsidiary.

In August of 1987, Gene Blabey moved to Sullivan County, NY after resigning from UPI, to join a business partner of many years in the ownership and management of a broadcast radio station group of five stations, including WVOS in Liberty, NY. In 1990, he bought out his partner Chris Coffin’s interest in WVOS.

Gene Blabey’s interest in radio stations were a prelude to an increased involvement in short line railroads. He was captivated by trains from an early age, playing with wooden Skaneateles trains. On his honeymoon he took his young bride Shirley to Lavonia, New York to look at a railroad – the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad – which soon became his first investment into the short line world. Over his life, Mr. Blabey served in several senior positions including President of short line railroads in New York and Pennsylvania. In 2021, Mr. Blabey was inducted into the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) inaugural Hall of Fame. His railroads served communities in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Arkansas and Missouri.

During his time in Sullivan County from 1987-2015, Gene Blabey was a member of the Board of Sullivan Performing Arts, the Sullivan County United Way, the Arson Task Force, and was Vice President of Sullivan County’s Chamber of Commerce. He was a Rotarian and member of First Presbyterian Church of Port Jervis.

Mr. Blabey is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Ross Blabey; his son, Eugene H. (Annie) Blabey III of Frisco, TX; his daughter, Nancy Blabey (Chris) Bailey of Sebastopol, CA; his grandchildren, Logan Alexander Bailey, Brynnlyn Skye Bailey, Tristan Alec Blabey, and Lauren Reese Blabey; his brother Richard Jones (Anne Buxton) Blabey; his sisters-in-law Susan Everett Blabey and Susan Lambeth Blabey; and his cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street, Albany, NY, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26th. The family will be greeting friends and relatives in the church hall beginning at 10:00 a.m.