C.G. (Joe) Blaire, 91, of Sebastian, passed away at Sebastian Medical Center on April 4, 2015.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Arlene; two children, John Blair of Barnstead, N.H., and Irene Harris of Manchester, N.H.; four stepchildren, Michele Reid of Charlevoix, Mich., Diana Poole of Harrisburg, N.C., Christine Preston of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Joe Dwan of Beaver Creek, Ore.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren; and his brother Tom Blair of Star, Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert, Richard, Leo, Gerry, and sister Elaine.
Blaire was born in Barton, Vt., on Aug. 11, 1923. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1940 and went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of New Hampshire.
He was in the Army in World War II serving under General George Patton in Germany for most of his tour of duty. Captain Blair served as Commander of Rifle Company in the Third Army freeing prisoners in concentration camps.
Following the war years, he was employed by the New York Telephone Company serving as manager of the east side of Manhattan. Blair was active in the Rotary Youth Club Programs working to raise money for schools and camps and coordinated community service activities for the New York State Boy Scout Council. He was also employed by AT&T Telephone Company retiring in 1978.
Blair retired to Florida in 1982 when he transferred from the New York Lions Club to the Delray Beach Lions Club where he later served as King Lion. He and his wife, Arlene, moved to Sebastian in 1994 where he once again became active in the Lions Club being named Lion of the Year and Melvin Jones Fellow.
At the family’s request, there will be no visitation or service. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice of IRC, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, or S.E. Guide Dogs for the Blind 4210 77th Street E. Palmetto, FL 34221.
