Robert L. Blaeser

Robert L. Blaeser, 90, of Charlottesville, died Monday, September 18, 2006, at the Martha Jefferson Hospital.

He was born September 23, 1915, in Patterson, New Jersey. His wife, Arlette Slaughter Blaeser, predeceased him.

Bob and Arlette came to Charlottesville in 1952 when Bob was asked to manage McCroy's Store on West Main Street. Soon thereafter he and Arlette became actively involved in the life and mission of the First Presbyterian Church. Bob was an ordained Deacon and Elder of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., and in 1962 entered the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond,Virginia, receiving his Degree of Master of Christian Education in 1965.

He then served as the Director of Christian Education at the First Presbyterian Church until his retirement in 1983.

Bob served in the United States Army Air Corps for five and one-half years during World War II. Following the war he obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky.

Bob was a respected gentleman, a devoted Christian, and a friend of many. His presence in this community will be sorrowfully missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by a halfsister, Maude Dettner, of Demotte, Indiana; his sister-inlaw, Mae Katherine Burton, of Richmond; and his brother-in-law, Ray Stanley Slaughter, of Mechanicsville.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, September 25, 2006, at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Park Street, conducted by the Rev. Timothy Read. A reception at the church will follow.

Interment will be private.

Please omit flowers. Those who wish to honor Bob may do so by donations to the Hospice of the Piedmont or the American Cancer Society.

Hill and Wood is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com