John Alan Blair

John Alan Blair, 70, of Chaplin, CT passed peacefully at his home after a long illness on November 4, 2017. John was born in Cranston, RI, July 14,1947, the son of the late Leo and Frances (Smith) Blair. He attended Windham High School and Lyman High School. John proudly served his country in the US Army from 1967 to1971. During his tour of duty in Vietnam, John was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement. John worked in transportation after returning from the service. He retired in 2011 as a truck mechanic from Commodity Carriers in Bozrah, CT. John enjoyed traveling with his family, fishing and rooting for the UCONN and CT Sun women?s basketball teams. He was a lifetime member of the Chaplin Volunteer Fire Dept. and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Christine, a daughter, Toni Anne; two brothers and a sister; Leo Blair and his wife Judith Treschuk, Paul Blair and Nancy Blair, all of Melbourne, FL, an Uncle, Bill Smith and his wife, Carmen, Aunt Mary Lou Sabol and many nieces and nephews. John?s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday November 16, 2017 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on November 17, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 41 Cedar Swamp Rd., Hampton, CT., burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Our Lady of Lourdes Fuel Fund or to the Chaplin Volunteer Fire Dept. The family wishes to thank the staff of Hartford Healthcare Hospice, and the 4th floor staff at Windham Hospital, for their loving kindness and care. ?Those we love don?t go away, they walk besides us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.? For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome .