Donald E. Blair
Of Milford, passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. He was 78.
Mr. Blair was born on February 7, 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts, son of the late Clarence W. and Dorothy M. (Silva) Blair.
He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country in Japan during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Blair was employed with General Foods and moved to Delaware in 1964 after being relocated to the company's Dover facility. He held various management positions during his tenure there, retiring after a 37 year career with the company.
After retirement, Donald worked for four summers as a Park Ranger at Emerald Lake State Park in Vermont, which provided an enjoyable camping experience not only for him but also for his family, neighbors and close friends, Obby and Iva Reed. He liked to return to New England twice a year to "renew his accent" and especially enjoyed traveling in Maine.
He accumulated an extensive collection of Walter Baker Chocolate memorabilia over the years, his interest in them stemming from his first job which was with the Walter Baker Chocolate Company.
Donald also had a lifelong interest in affordable housing and put his ideas and talents to work as a member of the board of Milford Housing Development and the Delaware Housing Council.
Mr. Blair was a member of the Board of the Mispillion Art League and the Friends of the Milford Library. He also enjoyed his association as a member of the Senior Bowling League and as a former Cub Scout Leader.
He was a long time member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Milford where he served on the Vestry and was a Senior Warden.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Blair was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Leone Blair in 2006, a sister, Lois Blair Belben and a brother, Milledge Blair.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Barry Carlino of Milford; a brother, Clarence W. Blair, Jr. of Milford, New Hampshire; two sisters, Dorothy Blair Richards of Litchfield, New Hampshire and Beverly Blair Belshaw of Sammamish, Washington; two grandsons, Trevor Gill and Seth Gill; many nieces and nephews and a good family friend, Grace, to whom they send their many thanks for her love and support.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2010 at Christ Episcopal Church, 200 North Church St, Milford.
Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to CJD Foundation, P.O. Box 5312, Akron, OH, 44334.
Arrangements handled by Rogers Funeral Home in Milford.
(10/14/10)