Obituary of Bruce Douglas Blair

Master Sergeant Bruce Douglas Blair, (Ret.) 65, passed away suddenly on October 29th in Reston, VA. Bruce was born in Indianapolis, IN on May 14th 1950, the son of the late Frank and Judith Fielman Blair Jr. While in high school, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne division in Vietnam from 1970-72. Upon his return to the states, he attended Purdue University and obtained a BS in Business Management in 1977. After completing his degree, he moved to Erie, PA with his wife, Jeanette. Bruce continued his service in the United States Army for 36+ years. He served in Vietnam, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He received an impressive number of medals and awards for his service. After Afghanistan, he worked in the Intelligence community as a Senior Intelligence Analyst in the D.C. area. He excelled at his job, was respected by co-workers, and loved what he did every day. Bruce enjoyed spending time with his friends, family, and his dogs. He was an excellent marksman and enjoyed target practice. He was a proud member of The American Legion. In his free time, he liked to visit parks and historical locations, especially those associated with the military. He also was an avid reader of books about history and the military. He was a member of Luther Memorial Church. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Frank and Judith Fielman Blair, Jr, his grandparents, Frank and Harriet Blair, Sr, and his brother, Jeffrey Blair. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jeanette Struble Blair, his son, Douglas Blair, his daughter Katherine Blair all of Erie, and several cousins. Welcome Home and thank you for everything you have done for those who love you dearly. Friends may call at the Dusckas- Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Saturday from 3 to 5pm and 7 to 9pm and are invited there on Sunday at 3pm for the funeral service conducted by the Rev. Karen Parsh. Private interment in the Erie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511 or to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.