11/15/2023
Please join us in congratulating CSV Chantilly Sales Manager Cliff Blasius, the 77th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Man of the Year! Cliff is a deeply valued member of the Manassas community, a member of the Kiwanis who supports countless local organizations. Read Cliff’s story at tinyurl.com/AboutCliff.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were recently in town to film our annual video at the ever gracious Flower Gallery of Manassas! While visiting, they were witness to our Man of the Year getting notified of his new status. Please join us all in congratulating the 77th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Man of the Year, Cliff Blasius!!
Cliff Blasius is a long-time Manassas resident and business owner. Cliff moved to Manassas from Glendale, New York in 1979, when he purchased Baker Funeral Home (changed to Blasius-Baker at the 100th year anniversary in 1994).
In addition to being a funeral director, Cliff wore many hats. He was the CEO of Manassas Limousine service, where he often employed school teachers and law enforcement officers as part time staff.
With five daughters that went through Manassas City Public Schools, Cliff stayed very active in supporting the school system. From September 1986 to June of 2000, Cliff maintained his connection in various ways. As PTO Co-President, to fundraising and assisting in events with the businesses such as the Students Against Drunk Driving rally, Cliff was always a phone call away when the schools needed someone or something. Blasius-Baker Funeral Home provided sponsorships for many years supporting the organizations.
As owner of the funeral home, Cliff believed giving back to the community was imperative. He stepped up anytime there was a need, from toy drives for natural disasters such as Hurricane Andrew and years as hosting the cookie distribution center for the Girl Scouts of America.
Whatever sports and activities Cliff’s daughters were involved in, Cliff was involved in. He was an integral part of rebuilding the Greater Manassas Softball Association and spent many weekends at Byrd Park. Seemingly, when the National Babe Ruth Baseball tournament was being held in Manassas and they were looking for hosts, Cliff and his family hosted an entire baseball team from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Shortly after he committed, he also found out he was responsible for feeding them all.
Cliff has over 50 years of dedication to the Masonic Lodge and Kena Shriners. The Shriner Hospital is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Cliff spends many days annually driving patients and their families in need from Northern Virginia to the Shriners Hospital for appointments.
In the late 1980’s, Cliff installed a large pool on the property of the funeral home. This pool, initially for personal use, soon became a resource for the community. “Bubbles Up” was a large pool that was enclosed by a dome during the winter months that allowed for swimmers all around the region to come and use for “indoor” practicing and meets. Law enforcement, fire departments and lifeguards often utilized the pool for training and classes.
Cliff is a long-time member of the Manassas-Battlefield Kiwanis, serving many terms as President, Vice President and Board member, where he continues today. He is an advocate for Wreaths Across America and for many years could be seen “selling wreaths” at different community days and placing them at graves at Quantico and Arlington National Cemetery every holiday season.
Cliff has always been an advocate and supporter of law enforcement, including being a charter member and current President of Manassas Crime Solvers, an organization that works closely with law enforcement to provide financial rewards for anonymous tips related to crimes within the area. Cliff was also an auxiliary deputy sheriff for Prince William County Sheriff’s Office.
Cliff is no stranger to the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. He was known to have very, very close ties with Santa himself in the late 80’s and 90’s. So close of ties, that Santa recognizes him very well today and often sits on Cliff’s lap for the picture.
When Cliff isn’t with one of his children or grandchildren, seen at a community event, working as a funeral director for a cremation society, he is likely sailing or swimming poolside awaiting summertime for his annual trip to the Adirondacks.
Please join us in congratulating Cliff on being the 77th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Man of the Year!
