MASSENA – Mr. Blair E. Young, 89, of 25 Martin Street, peacefully passed away Tuesday afternoon, July 14, 2015 at his home with his family at his side.
Blair was born November 17, 1925 in Curwensville, Pennsylvania the son of the late Charles Franklin and Rose Alice Booth Young. He graduated from High School in Curwensville in 1943. He proudly served his country during World War II as a Corporal in the 836th Engineer Aviation Battalion of the US Army Air Corps. He was honorably discharged from active duty on December 7, 1946, but continued in the Reserves for many years following. On September 27, 1963, Blair married Janet E. Ash in Massena.
Blair worked in machine repair for General Motors starting in Kansas City, later in Tonawanda, and eventually coming to the Massena plant. He retired on May 1, 1979. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was he served as the head of the greeters and assisted his wife in preparing the church for weddings. Blair was also a member of the United Autoworkers #465 and a former member and president of REACT and was instrumental in starting the Jr. REACT. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a boating guide on the lakes for many years. Blair also enjoyed bowling, having played on the Sunday Night League for many years and also loved going for rides to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Blair was a man of deep faith and treasured the times he was able to read his Bible. He was a very kind and gentle person who greatly appreciated all the help he has received from his aides throughout his sickness.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 51 years, Janet; his daughter, Cynde Kellogg of Massena; his grandchildren, Desiree, George, Jana, Heather, Delwin Jr, and Blair II; his great granddaughters, Nakayla-Marie, Abigail, and Jessalynn; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Blair was predeceased by a son, Delwin R. Young on April 4, 2010; a grandson, Heath M. Kellogg on December 16, 2010; his sister, Ruth E. Taylor in December 2002; and a brother, Thomas C. Young in December 2002.
Friends may call Saturday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM with Rev. Heather Stierheim, officiating. Burial will be in Sheldon Hill Cemetery, Ellenburg Depot at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, or Health Services of NNY.
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