Frank J. Blair

Frank J. Blair, 81, a lifelong resident of Jaffrey died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, November 27, 2017 at the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, NH, after a very lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on December 14, 1935 in Jaffrey, son of the late Malion and Germaine (Christian) Blair. Frank was raised and educated in Jaffrey and married Gloria (Rousseau) Blair in Greenville on September 2, 1963. Together they raised their family in Jaffrey.

For most of his life, he had worked as a machinist at American Optical in Keene until it closed in 1984. He then worked at Precision Forms in Jaffrey before retiring in the early 1990’s. After retirement, Frank remained active as a Ranger at the Shattuck Golf Course in Jaffrey and working part-time at Market Basket in Rindge.

Never one to sit idle, Frank always kept himself busy with his various interests. He enjoyed fishing, vacationing in Maine, playing cribbage, listening to country music, and woodworking. He was very proud of the baby cradle that he had built for his first granddaughter which has become an heirloom, used by multiple family members and is now being used by his great-grandchildren.

Above all else, his greatest passion was his family, and he loved nothing more than spending time together. He had a playful streak and could always be counted on for a good laugh.

Frank was a communicant of St. Patrick Parish in Jaffrey, where he served as an usher for many years. He was a proud charter member of Our Lady of Monadnock Knights of Columbus Council #8544, and was Past Faithful Navigator of Knights of Columbus Assembly #2129, as well as Knight of the Year for the Fraternal Year 1987-1988. He was instrumental in organizing their annual Christmas tree sale.

In addition to his parents, Frank was predeceased by his brother, Malion (Cub) Blair, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gloria (Rousseau) Blair, of Jaffrey; his 3 daughters, Ann Bullock and her husband Dan of Rindge, Denise Arseneault of Jaffrey and Amy Eaves and her husband Nathaniel of Jaffrey; his grandchildren, Melissa Stremel, Kayla Dionne, Erica Arpin, Steven Arseneault, Cameron Eaves, Kyle Eaves; his great-grandchildren, Micaela Stremel, Amaya Stremel, Iliana Stremel and James Dionne; his 2 sisters, Marion Robinson of Jaffrey and Marie Gravel of Troy, NH; his brother Loren Blair of Hudson, NH and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River Street, Jaffrey from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following calling hours on Friday, at 12:00 noon in St. Patrick Church, 89 Main Street Jaffrey. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps, pastor will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance, PO Box 107, Jaffrey, NH 03452.