Robert Blain

1950 - 2021

Robert L. Blain, 70

N. Grosvenordale, CT - Robert (Bob) L. Blain, 70, of Fabyan Rd., died Friday evening, January 22, 2021 at Westview Healthcare Center. He was the loving husband of Theresa "Terry" (Lippiello) Blain for 46 years. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Lionel and Doris (Ravenelle) Blain.

Bob was the Owner and Operator of Blain Heating Oils, the family business, which he took ownership of in 1978 and held ownership until his retirement in 2002. Before and during this time he also worked as a teacher at New England Technical Institute and taught the plumbing code at Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School's evening program. Bob also started RDT Racquet Stringing and strung tennis racquets for his friends until his illness.

He was a board member of the Independent CT Petroleum Association from 1985-2002, President of the Northeast Chapter of the Independent CT Petroleum Association from 1986-1992 and served as a board member of the New England Fuel Institute in Boston.

Bob was an avid sports fan and phenomenal athlete. He played on the Deary Brothers softball team for many years during their championship seasons in the 80's and then went on to play in the Thompson Jack Benny Softball League. He had a passion for playing tennis and was a ranked 4.0 USTA player. He cherished his years playing that sport until his illness.

Bob is survived by his wife, Theresa "Terry" Blain; his children, Derek Blain of Arlington, VA; Jodi Bellefeuille and her husband Scott of Uxbridge, MA; Todd Blain and his wife Stephanie of Sutton, MA; Meghan Leonard and her husband R.J. of Montville, NJ, his sister; Michelle Reis and her husband Michael, of Leicester MA; father-in-law, Connie Lippiello of N. Grosvenordale; and grandchildren, Charlee, Bodie, Colton, Lincoln, Riley, and Jacob and his nieces and nephews.

For all our wonderful friends and family who have been so supportive during this time, we ask you to remember the years before Bob's illness. Please reminisce about the fun times you had with him. Remember his quiet demeanor yet knowing what to say at the right time. Please recall his sportsmanlike conduct always, his athleticism, graciousness, mechanical abilities, and his classiness. Remember how hard he worked to support his family and who can forget those gorgeous blue eyes? Look back on memories and remember the man he really was, a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a son-in-law, a brother-in-law, a father-in-law, and a friend. Say a prayer for him as we all know he is now at peace.

Bob's family will forever be grateful for the many medical professionals who cared for him and who fought endlessly to help him. They are especially thankful for Craig Kilgore who donated his bone marrow through the National Bone Marrow Donor program, for Bob's transplant in 2005. This unselfish act allowed Bob the opportunity to see his children get married, to meet his 6 grandchild and to have many more years with his loving wife.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob's family from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2021, in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. A gathering will begin in the funeral home on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Due to the current Covid-19 restriction we ask that facial coverings be worn, and social distancing be practiced.

Memorial donations may be made to either the Thompson Little League c/o Thompson Recreation Department, P.O. Box 899, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255, whom Bob supported as a sponsorship to a team during his ownership of Blain Heating Oils or UMASS Memorial Bone Marrow Unit, 365 Plantation Street, Biotech One. Worcester, MA 01605, who gave him an extended life of over 15 years. For memorial guestbook visit

www.GilmanAndValade.com