Blair

Fred A. Blair, 88, of West Middlesex, Pa., formerly of Farrell, Pa., passed away at 11:45 p.m. Monday surrounded by his family at home due to an extended illness.

He was born on July 24, 1925, in North Washington, Pa., to the late Ralph Blair and Edna (Smith) Blair.

Fred worked for Wheatland Tube Co. in the shipping department, retiring in 1983 after 38 years of service.

He attended North Washington schools, and the St. Ann's Church in Farrell.

Fred served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1944 to 1946. He received a Purple Heart and an Oak leaf cluster.

He was a past commander of Wheatland American Legion Post 432. Fred enjoyed working on his brother's farm, camping, cutting firewood and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie (Oravecz) Blair, who he married on July 4, 1953, who survives at home; his daughters, Patty Gelesky and her husband, Brian, of West Middlesex, Pa., and Jane Griffin and her husband, Paul “P.J,” of West Middlesex, Pa.; his son, James Blair and his wife, Lisa, of Farrell; his sisters, Edie Nail and her husband, Sam, of Hillards and Irma Wheland and her husband, Bill, of York, Pa.; his brothers, Earl Blair of Chicago, Harold Blair of Petrolia, Homer Blair of Petrolia, Arthur Blair of Alaska, Clair Blair and his wife, Jane, of Clintonville, Pa., John Blair and his wife, Renata, of Petrolia and George Blair and his wife, Paula, of Michigan. His grandchildren, Jennifer Connors and her husband, Pat, and Brian Gelesky; his great-grandchild, Alexis Connors, and his special niece and nephew, Eddy and Susie Blair, also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Bernice Blair and Mary Lou Gromling, and his two brothers, Dean and Ken Blair.

The family gives a special thank you to Sharon Regional Hospice and volunteer Gracie Knapp.

BLAIR — The friends of Fred A. Blair, who passed away Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the John Flynn Funeral Home, 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. George Blair, brother of the deceased, officiating.Cremation will follow services in the funeral home crematory.Honor guard service to be performed by the Wheatland West Middlesex Honor Guard.Memorial contributions can be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation or Give The Kids The World Foundation.Friends may sign guest book at www.flynnfuneralhome.com