Russell Madison Blair, Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 31, 2025 at the age of 96. Russ was known for his love of family and community service, as well as his passion for all things mechanical. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Isabel; children: Tripp (Nancy), DG (Bruce) and Laura; grandchildren: Heather (Jamie), Lily (Andrew) Kate (Tim), and Maria (Travis) and great grandchildren: Natalie, Christopher, Emily, Maddie, Oliver, Ryan, Drew, and Isabel, along with the many friends and people he worked and volunteered with over the years. 

Russ was born on July 3, 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Westport as a young boy where he spent many happy summers in the boat basin at Compo Beach and sailing on Long Island Sound. He attended Admiral Billard Academy in New London, CT and then Kings Point U.S. Merchant Marine Academy earning his engineering degree in 1951. He then served on the U.S.S. Allagash for three years achieving a rank of Lieutenant before transferring to the U.S. Navy Retired Reserve. Russ worked as an engineer for several companies before joining Slickbar Inc. in 1969, ultimately becoming its President in 1987 until retirement in 2001. 

Russ’s devotion to community service began in high school during WWII, when he joined the civil defense fire crew—a calling that would shape the rest of his life. In Westport, he gave generously of his time and talents: serving with the Volunteer Fire Department, co-founding Westport EMS, contributing to school building committees that touched nearly every school in town, and lending his care to various town and church restoration efforts. He also spent 27 years in the Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department as an EMT, offering steady hands and a compassionate heart. For his decades of service, Russ was honored with numerous awards—but it was never about recognition. It was about helping others, quietly and consistently, just as he always had. 

Russ and Isabel were married for 74 years, sharing in their love for family, their beloved town of Westport, and traveling around the world with friends and family. He called Isabel in later years “his bride” and the “Queen Bee” and he loved to laugh with her. He found immense joy in spending time with his four granddaughters and subsequent great grandchildren giving well researched “advice”; going with Isabel to many gymnastics meets, soccer and volleyball games, graduations (even to Canada!), weddings and other family events into his 90’s.  

Russ loved to repair, tinker and fix things. He always had a spare part just waiting for its time to mend a broken object or machine. He loved to tell stories of his and Isabel’s travels- often with a cheeky smile as he laughed about one of their many adventures.  Russ will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 PM on October 25, 2025 at the Saugatuck Congregational Church, Westport. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy or a local charity of your choice.