Leo Albert Blair

Blair , Leo Albert , passed away on Monday, March 26, 2007. He was born May 8, 1928 in Barton, VT to Aime P. and Irene Blair. At the age of five his family moved to East Plainfield, NH. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1946. After a short career as a poultry farmer he took over the family business, Blair Construction Company and February 24, 1954 he moved the company and all his employees and family to Delray Beach, FL. He spent the next 40 years as a successful custom home and commercial builder. He changed the face of Delray Beach's Atlantic Avenue twice. In 1974-5 Blair Construction built the Sun First National Bank and face lifted Hand's Book Store, Minor's Apparel, Vince Canning Shoes and Mercer Wenzel's. In 1989 he revitalized downtown when he redeveloped the former Arcade Tap Room property into stores, galleries, offices and a smaller restaurant selling the spaces to the shop owners. The risk he took led many others to invest in the now vibrant community. Blair was a committed community leader. He was one of three founders of the Del-Trail Fire Department where he served on the three member, governor appointed Board of Supervisors for twenty-three years. He served on the city's Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Board, City Council and was Vice-Mayor. He was a Director of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, Delray Beach Rotary, the Community Chest, Barnett Bank of West Delray and Snow Concrete. He was a member of the Associated General Contractors of America and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. For fifty-three years he was an active member of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church serving in many capacities. He was past president of the Men's Club, an usher and ardent volunteer. In 1982 he bought a summer home and became a member of the Highlands Country Club in Highlands, NC. He was a member of Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church, served on the board of The Mountain Club and was an ardent, loyal and generous volunteer and Advisory Board member of Carpe Diem Farms. Preceded in death by his son, Gary Leo Blair and two brothers, Rich and Bob, he is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Joan; daughter, Sue of Highlands, NC and grandson ,Taylor of Delray Beach. He is also survived by brothers C.G. of Sebastian, FL Jerry of Seward, Alaska, and Tom of Boise, Idaho and a sister, Elaine 'Sis' Cattabriga of Boynton Beach. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time family friends also survive him. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 30, 2007 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, Delray Beach, FL. Entombment will follow at the Boca Raton Mausoleum, Boca Raton, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Leo A. Blair Memorial Building Fund at Carpe Diem Farms, (a 501©(3) educational foundation) 544 Western Rhodes Drive, Highlands, NC 28741