Robert L. Blais

Herkimer – Robert L. Blais, 82, a life long Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday February 27, 2018 at St. Luke’s Medical Center, New Hartford, NY with his loving and devoted family by his side.

The son of the late Ernest L. and Gladys (DuPont) Blais, Robert was born on January 3, 1936.  On May 18, 1957 Robert wed his loving wife Mary Jacquelyn Mills at St. Francis de Sales Church in Herkimer, NY. 

Robert was a graduate of Herkimer High School.  Before starting his career in the food service business Robert served and received an honorable discharge from the Army National Guard.  Robert was last employed as a food broker for Marshall/Bellino in Albany, NY.  Robert is most notably remembered as having spent most of his career as grocery store manager for the former Loblaws, Chicago Markets and Great American stores in Utica and Herkimer NY.

A man devoted to his family, Robert’s life was centered on the wellbeing of his loving wife, children and grandchildren.  Robert used to love attending sporting events, whether it was bowling and playing softball earlier in his life or supporting his children and grandchildren while they participated during their youth and high school years.  Anyone who knew Robert also knew he was an avid Syracuse Orange fan and most notably a diehard RED SOX fan. . . .Come late spring through early fall Robert really enjoyed those spirited conversations with Yankee followers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Mary J. (Jackie) Blais; a daughter, Jill Macri and her husband Richard of Herkimer; their children Ricky, Troy and Chelsea; a son, Robert Blais and his wife Libby of San Diego, California, his two daughters; Courtney and Rachel; a son Scott Blais and his wife Betsey of Herkimer, their two sons; Jamie, Scott Jr., his girlfriend Sirena and her daughter Paityn, and a son Michael Blais and his wife Michelle of Herkimer and their children Sophia and Brent; his in-laws, Louise Blais, Ted Sosnoski, Marylyn and Art Foley, Don and Elaine Mills and Foster Elwood; and several nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by a sister, Beverly Sosnoski and a brother, Richard E. Blais, brothers in law Robert Mills and Richard Mills, sisters in law Donna Elwood and Carolyn Ferrucci.

Funeral services and spring burial at Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, NY will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 East Albany Street, Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500.

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