Alan W. Blazar

Alan W. Blazar of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, a pioneering figure in fine art printmaking and a passionate family man and sailor with a zest for adventure, died at home peacefully on February 25, 2025. He was 71. Born on April 19, 1953, Alan lived by his credo, "You make your own luck," creating success through determination, creativity, laughter, and perhaps a bit of his famously "high" tolerance for life (he never turned down a chance to elevate his spirits).
Alan cherished his family deeply. He met his beloved wife, Marcia, in the fall of 1972, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and adventure. A proud father to Yuri and Josef, Alan delighted in sharing his passions with them and, later, with his daughters-in-law Erin and Kay, as well as cherished grandchildren-Cam, Elle, Yvonne, and Vera-who knew him as "Pops." He was the playful and encouraging grandfather who could turn any ordinary moment into a memorable adventure.
Alan was a born entrepreneur who ignited several successful ventures-Blazing Graphics in the '80s and more current Blazing Editions and YJ Contemporary-transforming the printmaking world through innovative technologies - offset lithography, giclée, and dye sublimation printing. Trusted by esteemed artists Anne Packard, Jay Maisel, and Joyce Tenneson, he consistently produced museum-quality work that set industry standards. Alan also took on the role of transforming the historic 100,000 sq. ft. Greenwich Mills complex into a thriving creative hub for the community, further cementing his legacy of innovation and creativity. He had a unique trait of combining professional and personal life, developing friendships with vendors, colleagues and clients.
Away from the printing presses, Alan was most at home sailing his beloved waters, from New England to Miami and into the azure waters of the Bahamas. Block Island held a special place in his heart-his cherished "home away from home" and memorable time spent for beach week with his family. With a sun-kissed grin and an occasional tale of navigating tricky sandbars, Alan generously shared his passion for sailing, though sometimes the details of his adventures were humorously exaggerated after a spirited evening with friends.
As a talented street photographer who notably never used a tripod, Alan had a gift for capturing life's candid and unexpected moments. He was equally passionate about cheering on his beloved Patriots and Celtics and of late-night Poker Games with lifelong friends, joking that decades of nail-biting games had truly sharpened his tolerance for life's ups and downs.
In 2018 Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He joined Rock Steady Boxing of EG where he found a welcoming and supportive community. He honed his boxing skills and started investigating every new drug, technology, and clinical trial. He was about to begin testing to participate in a new procedure on February 28th. Unfortunately, he did not get that chance. He was diagnosed with AML on February 7th, beginning another challenge with remarkable courage and relentless optimism.
Alan was the middle son of loving parents Leonard and Edith Blazar (Cohen) of Providence. He is greatly missed by his older brother Marc (Marianne), and his nephews Adam, Michael, and Julian (Julia) all of Saluda NC. He is predeceased by his younger brother Barry this past November.
Alan leaves behind an enduring legacy of innovation, laughter, and love. Though he has set sail beyond our horizon, his adventurous spirit continues to guide us, reminding everyone he touched to live boldly, laugh often, and create their own luck.
Alan's memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 24 at 2:00 PM at the Providence Art Club.
In lieu of flowers, the Blazar family invites donations in Alan's memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, continuing the fight he embraced with courage, resilience, and a spirited sense of humor.