Obituary of John J. Blair, Sr.

John J. Blair, Sr., of Madison, a cherished husband, devoted father & grandfather, and respected community figure, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Morristown Medical Center. He was 87. 

John is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Josephine Blair (née Allocco); one son, John Blair, Jr.; one daughter, Mary Jo Johnson and her husband Scott; his cherished grandson, Connor Johnson; one brother, William Blair and his wife Mary Ellen; one sister, Mary Ann Pietromonica and her husband Gabriel; a brother-in-law, Joseph Chiarolanzio; two sister-in-laws, Lucille Fitz and Mary Galano and her husband John; many nieces, nephews and extended family members; and many dear friends.

He was predeceased by one sister, Helen E. McCardle; and his sister-in-law, Antoinette Chiarolanzio.

John was born in Morristown to the late William and Helen Blair. He was raised in Madison with his three siblings. John served in the United States Army in the 82^nd Airborne Division from 1951 to 1953.  

John and Josephine were married in 1961 and settled in Madison where they raised their family.

Family was the most important part of John’s life and he always prioritized spending time with his children and grandson. John loved spending time at the beach with his family.

Before retiring, John had a career spanning over four decades with the Madison Borough Department of Public Works, holding several positions and ultimately becoming Superintendent of Public Works. He was a mentor to many colleagues throughout his career.

In his retirement John helped his son John Jr. on a daily basis at his business, CJ’s Deli in Madison. John Sr. was a familiar face at CJ’s and enjoyed spending time there with his son and his many lifelong friends. John embodied the spirit of friendship and generosity.

John was a motivator and a natural source of strength to others. He made a tremendous positive impact on countless people, seeing the potential they had.  John had a gift for inspiring others to do their absolute best. He believed in everyone and helped them believe in themselves.

A man of faith and fellowship, John was a lifelong parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church.

John leaves behind a legacy of dedication and selflessness to his family and friends. His good-hearted nature, caring and devotion to his family will be remembered by all that knew him. May he Rest in Peace.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for John to be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024 at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. 

Entombment with military honors will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, Morristown.

Charitable contributions may be made in John’s memory to one or more of the following:

Madison NJ PBA #92, 62 Kings Rd, Madison, NJ 07940

Madison NJ FMBA #74, 62 Kings Rd, Madison, NJ 07940 

Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306