WESTFIELD: Ernest H. Blair, 86, of Westfield, passed away peacefully at home on Friday afternoon surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Westfield on August 16, 1928, the son of the late Ernest and Rose (LaValley) Blair and was educated in Westfield schools. Ernest was employed as a lead man at Westfield Grinding Wheel for forty-four years, retiring in 1991. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Ernest is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Caroline “Lee” (Chistolini) Blair, a son Jim and his wife Pamela, and a daughter, Deborah, all of Westfield. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren; Michael and his wife Lauren of West Springfield, Joshua of Westfield, Christina of Westfield, and his dear great-granddaughter, Kaela Brazee. Ernest was predeceased by a son, John, in 1960, and his siblings, Donald Blair, and Mildred King. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 9am from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield, at 10am. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4pm until 7pm. The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional service provided by Noble Hospice during Ernest’s last few months, and so in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Ernest to Noble VNA and Hospice, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085, or to the National Kidney Foundation at 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY, 10016 or www.kidney.org/donate. firtionadams.com
