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Richard Blaise Obituary
Dick was born in New London, on May 16, 1943, to the late Ernest and Viola (Letendre) Blaise. He graduated from high school and worked at Sears as a mechanic for his first job. Being a mechanic never left him as he spent his life with the ability to fix anything and everything. He took pride in everything he did. He owned his own electrical contracting business and worked at Electric Boat for 17 years, until his retirement. Like his father before him, he worked on many world's first submarines. Dick received a commendation from I.B.E.W. for saving a co-worker's life after an incident in the battery well of one of the boats at E.B. while he worked there. He also worked for "Big Jim", one of his closest friends at Blonder's, delivering parts. He and "Big Jim" rarely missed Tuesday morning breakfast over the last 15 years.
He was known to never pass a yard sale, flea market, or antique shop without stopping. He was an avid collector of antique Buicks, Buick memorabilia, and antique toasters. He was a member of the Yankee Yesteryear Car Club, Buick Club of America, 53/54 Buick Skylark Club, Buick Rivera Club, and Buick Modified Club. He also liked horses and collecting harnesses and carts for his wife, Leah. He enjoyed many things including being a longtime member of the New London Motorcycle Club where he held the position of club president seven times. He raced motorcycles placing second in New England in the late 1960s in enduros.
While enjoying life, Dick always had a soft spot in his heart for children, riding for the last 20 years in the Christmas Toy Run at Camp Harkness and providing children with rides in his sidecar. He was known for lighting up his house and property with blue lights at Christmas time when he lived on Route 85. He was particularly proud of watching his sons race at Thompson Speedway.
Dick is survived by his wife, Leah (Smith); his sons, Brian and Marcie Blaise of Colchester, Dennis and Jackie Blaise of Quaker Hill; brothers, Donald of Pulaski, N.Y., Henry Blaise of Meriden; grandchildren, Danielle, Jessica, and Conner; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen, 53 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville. Burial will take place with a graveside service at noon on Friday at Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the 53-54 Buick Skylark Club, www.skylarkclub.org
To leave a condolence, please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Blaise
September 14, 2012
Leah - I was so sorry to hear today about your husbands passing. May you only have good memories!
Anita & Staff (Goldy's)
Linda Charron
September 9, 2012
Leah, The clients and staff at Old Kimball Group Home want to send our sympathys to you and your family. I still can see Dicks face last year when he came back from giving our friend Vera her sidecar ride. I heard him say "I didn't think I would see her again". Vera looked forward to this every year at Camp Harkness in Nov. Well, Vera passed away 4 weeks before Dick so I guess she will still be getting her rides in heaven from her friend Dick. I can just see both there smiles now.
Frank Wallis
September 7, 2012
Although I can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in my thoughts from afar.
lon fulton
September 5, 2012
My lifelong friend , see you on the other side
September 2, 2012
My condolences to the family of Rich Blaise. Rich and I were classmates in high school and hung around together until our early 20's. As our lives took different paths we only saw each other occasionally.The good times and memories of our friendship will always remain with me.
Dayton Trehern
September 1, 2012
Dennis & Brian and family. We are sorry for your loss of your Dad. You will always be in our thought and prayers. YOur cousins, Laurie & Jason and Kids.
Kayla (MacDonald) Babin
August 31, 2012
Leah I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family
Jean Cody
August 29, 2012
Leah and The Blaise Family: So Sorry for your loss.
Dody Retherford
August 29, 2012
My sincere condolences.
August 29, 2012
Dennis and Brian I am sorry for the loss of your Dad.. In sympathy - sue way - friend and ex coworker of your mom
Linda Needham
August 29, 2012
Sorry for your loss Dennis.
Moe and Deb Grenier
August 29, 2012
So saddened to learn of the loss of Richard. We had the pleasure of seeing him last Thursday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
August 29, 2012
Brian, Marcie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Kathy Cabral
Mike Land
August 29, 2012
many many days and nights were spent with brian and dennis in "pop's" garage working on the cars, learning about the classic buicks, life, and loyalty. Mr. Blaise was an amazing man, and a huge influence on me. He always stood for what he believed in, and would help where ever and however he could. You will be sadly missed Mr. Blaise. Brian, and Dennis you know how to get ahold of me if you need anything.
Leo Lavigne
August 29, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Blaise family. Dick will be missed by all Antique Car Club members. RIP Dick !
Leo & Jeanne Lavigne
susan ponta
August 29, 2012
"Thinking of you in this difficult time with love and prayers"
MARK ANDRADE
August 29, 2012
TO DENNIS AND FAMILY. VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.VERY SORRY.
Trisha Bell
August 28, 2012
Dennis, Brian and family I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this time of sorrow. Please know my prayers are with you all.
Donald Deane
August 28, 2012
Rest in peace Dick we had fun in the buick convertable in high school. My condolences to the blaise family.
Don Deane
cheryl lanier
August 28, 2012
Dear Leah,
My sincere condolences. Very sorry about your loss.
Jay & Gail Dodge
August 28, 2012
Dear Leah & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 28, 2012
Richard, We all will miss you and your happy smile. Marge & Jack LaRochelle
August 28, 2012
Leah and Family - So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Please know that we are thinking of you. I am sure
Andy and Sherry met him with open arms. Take care of yourself and please visit if you are ever in our area. Joan, Jeff and Scott Laycock, Port Charlotte, Florida
Kenneth Sylvia
August 28, 2012
Richard and I worked together and I held the highest regard of him. Only the good die young.
David Stupplebeen
August 28, 2012
Richard and I were good friends for over 50 years
Carol and I offer our condolences to the Blaise family.
David and Carol Stupplebeen
Richard & Sally Allen
August 28, 2012
Dear Leah, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Love & ~hugs~
Lyle and Lynda Royce
August 28, 2012
We will miss Dick, he was a long time friend of our family and it was always a pleasure to run into him and remember all the times of the past. There was never a time when he did not leave you in a better mood and he always had a joke or two. Rest in peace, thoughts and prayers to the family.
August 28, 2012
A wonderful man with so much spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Blaise family.
Rolf and Sioux Olson, Ocala, Florida
Kathy (Banta) Rice
August 28, 2012
Leah, Brian, Dennis and families our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time...Hugs to his beautiful grandchildren...He truly loved them...Dan and Kathy(Banta)Rice
Ted Kumiega
August 28, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Edward & Dianne Kexel
August 28, 2012
Blaise Family......We are so sorry for your loss.we've known Dick for a long time,he will be missed.God Bless.
Tom Santos
August 28, 2012
Leah and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Rich. He was one of the best friends any one could have. He had a heart of gold, and a yearning to help every one he could. I was at an auction in Norwich, many years ago. I purchased two Jukeboxes. I was wondering how in the world I was going to get these things home. I heard someone say, "Hey Tom!" I turned and there was Rich. He had his truck, and helped me out, I gave him one of the jukeboxes. He was such a wonderful person. With his passing we have lost a terrific mechanic and a world collector. Those who knew him loved him and he will always live in our hearts and memories. God bless all of you, and may he rest in peace, he has earned it.
Denis Lacroix
August 28, 2012
We always pick the best flowers from our gardens……….so does our Lord.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care and cherish the wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate his life well lived.
August 28, 2012
this was a beautiful obituary, it sounds like he was a sweet man.
Chris Connolly
August 27, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers to the Blaise family on the loss of your father.
Bronwyn McCracken
August 27, 2012
My prayers go out to Dennis and his family. I have been friends with Dennis & Jackie for many years now and although I never met his father, Dennis always spoke of his father with love and admiration. I am truly saddened for his loss. And I offer my support if it is ever needed. Much love to you.
lynnette gardiner
August 27, 2012
my thoughts and prayers go out to the blaise"s in this difficult time he was a great man
Amy Alleano
August 26, 2012
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The Alleanos
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Montville Funeral Home of Church & Allen53 Norwich New London Tpke, Uncasville, CT 06382
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