Clealand B. Blair, Sr.

RUTLAND - Clealand B. Blair, Sr., 82, a man of whom virtually everyone has a story to tell, died peacefully at home with his loving family by his side Friday, December 4, 2020. Born in Richford, Vermont, Clea was the son of Cecil W. and Maude L. (McAllister) Blair and lived briefly in Northampton before moving to Rutland at the age of 13.

Clea was a 1956 graduate of Wachusett Regional High School and attended Central New England College in Worcester. While in high school, Clea met the love of his life, Nancy Martelli from Rutland. After a three-year courtship, they married on August 29, 1959 at St. Patrick's Church in Rutland and moved into their first home on Anthony Drive in Rutland, built by Clea.

While they were dating, Clea worked for Nancy's father at Martelli Construction of Rutland where he gained his knowledge of building and construction. After the construction of his first home, Clea founded C.B. Blair Builders, Inc. and B&M Concrete and began his long career as one of the most prominent builders and land developers in Worcester County. His first neighborhood development, Laurel Acres in Rutland, led to several other local projects. In his lifetime, he built more than 3,000 homes. Two of his notable Rutland commercial properties were The Rutland Commons and The Rutland Plaza. Often a behind-the-scenes contributor, without need of recognition, Clea’s impact on Rutland resulted in significant influence on the growth and face of the community he loved.

Clea was a man of countless associations, interests, talents, passions, and was the embodiment of entrepreneurship. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, where he proudly built the Father Jim Kerrigan Parish Center, Central Massachusetts Home Builders Association, and Tatnuck Country Club. He held a private pilot's license and enjoyed taking his children for plane rides around New England. Later in life, Clea returned the place of his birth in Richford, Vermont and bought 1,500 acres of land and started the company Blair Maple Farm Products. It has over 22,000 taps that produce some of Vermont's finest maple syrup.

Most importantly, Clea was a family man. Contented and easy going with his children, his greatest joy was spending time with Nancy and the kids after a long day's work. His wit and an outsized sense of humor added delightful richness to their lives. An accomplished pianist from the age of nine, Clea loved teaching his children and grandkids the piano and playing with them.

He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 61 years, Nancy J. (Martelli) Blair; five children, Clealand B. Blair, Jr. and his wife Teresa, Joel S. Blair, Stephanie J. Blair, Deanna L. Blair and her husband Kevin Jarvis, and William J. Blair and his wife Colleen all of Rutland; two sisters, Donna Dunwoody of Woodside, California and Brenda Jatrinski of Rutland; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Clea is predeceased by a brother, Allen W. Blair, and two sisters, Beverly Carden and Joyce Cormier.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Clea's family from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, at St. Patrick's Church, 258 Main St., Rutland (seating will be limited and the Mass will be recorded and available later on the Miles website). Interment will be held at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Social distancing and facial masks are required at all gatherings. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit "The Tribute Wall."