Robert Blair

Robert Henry Blair, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2024 at the age of 79 in Oakland, California. He was born on October 28,1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Nelson E. Blair and Georgine E. Blair (Jones). Robert spent his formative years in Philadelphia, later briefly residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

At the tender age of 17, Robert made a significant commitment to his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Fechteler DD-870  and the USS DD-873 Hawkins during the Vietnam War. Following his service on his ships, he was stationed in Rota, Spain, where fate introduced him to Maria Argentina Gabarri Castro. They were united in marriage on August 9, 1967, just seven days before welcoming their first child, Juan  into the world.  In 19

In 1969, the young Blair family soon returned to Philadelphia, where their second son, Miguel, was born in May. 

In pursuit of new opportunities, Robert followed his uncle Clarence Jones and relocated to Oakland, California, in 1970.  There, his family grew with the birth of their daughter, Ava,  in 1973.  In Oakland, Robert embarked on a new career path with PG&E.  He continued his education at Laney College, where he earned his AA Degree and  worked as a stationary engineer at the California School of the Deaf for many years, demonstrating dedication and expertise in his profession.

Robert found solace and community at Allen Temple Baptist Church, where he was an active member of the Men's Choir, enriching the congregation with his melodic voice.  He also enjoyed the yearly Men’s Retreat where he was able to perform his comedy routine.

Robert was a self-proclaimed comedian, often telling jokes that made people blush. A cowboy at heart, he found immense joy in caring for horses and indulging in classic cowboy movies. He was also a dedicated coach, spending many years coaching his son's teams in Little League baseball and serving as a football coach for the Oakland Dynamites. His sense of humor, love for the cowboy lifestyle, and passion for coaching brought warmth and inspiration to everyone around him. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Georgine Williams and Nelson E. Blair, his brother Earl N. Blair, and his sister Cynthia L. Hall (Blair). He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories to his devoted wife Maria Argentina Blair, their children Juan A. Blair (Terri Morgan), Miguel A. Blair (Andrea Blair), and Ava M. Rodgers (Blair), and his son-in-law Desmond T. Rodgers. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren Javon Blair, Stephen Blair, and Michael Blair, as well as his nieces, nephews,  Chantelle Hall, Tiffany Hall, Yendame (Nikolas) Martinez-Morrow, Justin (Cambria Beeson) Blair, Nikia Sanni, James D. Thompson II, Jonathan Martinez, Joshua Martinez, Joey Martinez, Donovan (Esmeralda) Blair, Madison Martinez, Kinsley Sanni, Atlas Blair, Deleyah Blair and a host of family and friends.

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