Matthew J. Blair

Matthew J. Blair Sr. 88, of Niles, passed away on Monday April 8, 2024 at his son’s residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 2, 1935 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania the son of Matthew and Alta Allshouse Blair.
Matt was a 1953 graduate of Centerville High School, and a graduate of California State Teachers College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelors Degree in Education, where he also played on the football team.
He was employed for 42 years at Republic, LTV, and WCI Steel retiring in 1998. He served as superintendant of three departments and had several patents in steel making. Matt was named in Who’s Who in American Technology.
He was a member of Vienna Fish and Game, Niles Frontliners  and Band Boosters, enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, boating, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and was in The United States Army Reserves.
His wife Mary J. Reesman Blair whom he married May 4, 1956 died February 28, 2014.
He will be sadly missed by his 2 sons, Attorney Matthew J. Blair Jr. and his wife Lori of Niles and Attorney Gil Blair(Kim Semple) of Niles, a daughter Pam Barrett and her husband Craig of Vienna, a sister Karen Bucher and her husband Richard of North Olmstead, Ohio, eight grandchildren, Mary Blair, Anjelica Blair, Craig Barrett Jr. and his wife Amanda, Ryan Barrett and his wife Cassie, Patrick Barrett and his wife Courtney, Meredith Blair, Gil Blair, and Megan Blair, and five great-grandchildren, Macy Barrett, Liveah Barrett, Connor Barrett, Madelyn Barrett, and McKenzie Barrett.
He was preceded in death by his fiancée Marjorie Jones.
Friends may call from 5 to 7PM Friday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
Funeral services will be held 10AM  Saturday at The Niles First United Methodist Church preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery where Matt will be honored for his military service.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to Dr. Yogesh Sheth, the staff of Southern Care Hospice and Patriot Home Health for their care and compassion.
Material contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis Tennessee, 38105.
Arrangements are handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

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