Andy CloseIra Joseph “Joe” Blair, 80, of Pittsfield, Pa., passed away on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, Pa., due to complications from a recent surgery.
Joe was born on July 22, 1941, in Corsica, Pa., a son to the late Charles and Frieda (Raught) Blair.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during Vietnam as a gunnery sergeant. After the service, he was employed by the National Forge in Irvine as a crane operator.
Joe loved telling jokes, taking pictures, country music, spending time outside boating, hunting, and snowmobiling, but most of all, he loved spending time with his entire family.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline, whom he married on July 22, 1991; his children: Matthew Blair of Harborcreek, Pa., Mark (Grace) Blair of Jamestown, N.Y., Tracy (Bill) Bunk of Warren, Jennifer (Eric) Hern, Lakewood, N.Y., Jolene (Scott) Olewine of Youngsville, Jeffrey Rowles of Lancaster, S.C., Brian (Kelly) Rowles of Warren, Tim (Tracy) Rowles of Dunns Eddy and Douglas Rowles of Pittsburgh; his sisters: Vivian Spencer, Mary Rehe, Margie (Kenny) Anderson and John (Ellie) Blair, all of Tidioute; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a sister, June Edwards; and a brother, Charles Blair.
A celebration of life will be held at the Youngsville American Legion, 10 N. Main St., Youngsville, PA 16371, on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, from 1-4 p.m., where a full military service will take place at 1 p.m. by the Youngsville American Legion Honor Guard. Burial in the Youngsville Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family.
Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 314 North Main St. Youngsville, Pa., have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneralhome.net.
