DAVID BLAIR Obituary

BLAIR--David. If you met David Blair you were unlikely to forget him! Standing at 6'4" with an impressive mustache and an infectious smile, David was known for his warmth, generosity, and whip-smart sense of humor. He was born in 1945 in Youngstown, OH, to Jean & Howard Blair and grew up there and Millburn, NJ, with his two brothers Christopher (deceased) and Robert. He graduated Millburn High School in 1963. He attended Princeton University and graduated in 1967 with a degree from the school of Public and International Affairs. David met Mary Barnes his senior year and they were married in 1968. David graduated from Columbia University in 1970, with a joint JD/MBA. He joined White & Case where he made partner in 1979. While at White & Case, he was part of the lead team working with the banks to prevent the financial collapse of New York City in 1975. It was during this time that David and Mary moved to New Jersey and settled in Summit to raise their family. In 1984, David joined Morgan Stanley and Co. and eventually became a managing director in the private wealth division. By 2000 when he retired, after a five year stretch in the London office, he was the head of Private Wealth Management for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and Chairman of Global Risk Management. David and Mary returned to the States in 2000 and moved to Princeton, NJ. Not one to slow down, David began working at the Bendheim Center for Finance at Princeton University. He served as their Director of Corporate Relations for 10 years, helping to create the new Masters in Finance program, and advising graduate and undergraduate students. His greatest pleasure there was teaching a Freshman Seminar on Modern Financial Markets. David spent the last few years of his life at Stonebridge, a Springpoint Senior Living facility, as he bravely faced Parkinson's disease. His time there was another connection, as he had served as a trustee on the Springpoint Foundation Board for 12 years. David is survived by his wife of 50 years Mary Blair and his two children: David Blair with wife Thuy, and Kate Elliott with husband Brendan. He has three grandchildren, Jack, Nora, and Rosie, who have inherited his love of the Mets, card skills, and joy for living. The family is postponing a memorial until later in 2021. Donations can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation and Princeton AlumniCorps.

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Published by New York Times on Dec. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID BLAIR

9 Entries

Monica Carr

August 1, 2022

Dear Mary and family,
I worked as David´s assistant in the Private Clients area. Staving off the young men eager to bend his ears. And getting tickets for the West End shows for your travels. I am sad yo hear of his passing. Always loved to try and find a document on his big pile on his desk. A grand generous spirit He will be missed.

John Laxmi

June 2, 2021

My wife (Diane), my son (Jonathan) and daughter (Jennifer), all join me in our deepest condolences to Mary and the whole family. David was a mentor and a dear friend. He was versatile and gifted. David knew how to focus on the most important issues in business and life. He had a wide range of interests and he shared his wit and wisdom with one and all. After a long week's work, on some Friday evenings, David would gather his flock at the Fiddler's in mid-town Manhattan, where he would regale us, in his trademark guffaw and scholarly drawl. Unforgettable.
David, my friend, RIP.

Lucy Lacka

December 22, 2020

It was a pleasure to work with Mr. Blair for nine years at W&C and meeting his family when the kids would come over to the office. He was always kind with a generous smile and good humor. May the memories, love of family and friends carry you through your grief.

Bruce Taylor

December 22, 2020

I would say that is the best picture of my great friend in all his glory and I will remember him forever for the many good times we shared with him and the family.

Simone Taylor

December 20, 2020

I know that even though you have a loss, you still have some great memories. I hope those memories will give you comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of sorrow.

Jay Sweeney

December 18, 2020

I worked with David Blair at Morgan Stanley for several years, and he was a tremendous mentor to me. I was just starting my career at Morgan Stanley, and David was a seasoned veteran, and David was always willing to take the time to help me with any questions I had, advice I needed, etc.
And his advice was so welcome, because David was completely unselfish in the way he helped you, and it was obvious all he wanted to do was help a younger person. He took me under his wing, and I will never forget him for it. My deepest sympathies to Mary Blair and all of David's family.
Jay Sweeney, Chatham, NJ

Bill Szilasi

December 18, 2020

My partner, my mentor, most of all my friend. Our favourite saying as we approached retirement was “the future ain’t what it used to be”
RIP dear dear friend.

Janet Matlock

December 18, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Janet Matlock

December 18, 2020

It was a pleasure to have met David Blair I was honoured to assist with his care both in his Princeton home and at Stonebridge he was the Best client I've ever had.

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