September 15, 2011       

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Richard K. Blair Sr., 80, of Hobe Sound, Fla., passed away on Monday, Sept. 12, at the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., after a brief illness. 

Born Feb. 6, 1931, in Watertown, the son of the late Louis J. and Edna Kirkwood Blair, he graduated from Watertown High School, attended Watertown School of Commerce, leaving to join the Navy where he served onboard the USS Caloosahatchee. 

After he returned from service, he was employed by Black-Clawson, New York Air Brake Company and worked for the Watertown City School District, retiring in 1990. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Charlotte; a son, Michael K. (Laurie), Calcium; a daughter, Karen (Greg) Elger, Fla.; four grandchildren, Joseph, Samantha and Jeffery Blair and Kylie Brown; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son, Richard, Jr., a brother, Paul, and two sisters, Ruth (Milton) Frey and Beverly (Joseph) Mastascusa. 

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, 632 State St., Watertown. Service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 327 Franklin St., Watertown, with Rev. Leon VanWie officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Parrish Road Cemetery, town of Pamelia. 

Those wishing to do so may contribute to a charity of their choice. 

To express condolences visit www.reedbenoit.com.






Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.