Robert "Bob" J. Blackmar

WEST BOYLSTON – Previously of Holden, Robert J. (Bob) Blackmar, 89, passed away February 4, 2022, at Knollwood Nursing Center after a period of declining health. He was born in Dobbs Ferry, New York, the son of Arthur and Mathilda (Maier) Blackmar.

Bob grew up in Hastings-on-the-Hudson, New York, tied for the youngest of five siblings. He went to work as a mail clerk at Anaconda Wire and Cable in Hastings before graduating from Hastings High School. Upon graduating, he continued at Anaconda as a draftsman and joined the United States Naval Reserve. A year later, when he was called to Active Duty, he was chosen as Honor Man of his company. Bob served for two years at the U.S. Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Maryland.

Upon returning to civilian life, Bob heeded the advice of his co-workers at Anaconda and used the G.I. Bill to continue his education. He applied to the Ceramic Engineering program at S.U.N.Y. Alfred University. Before leaving for his freshman year at Alfred University, he began dating a secretary at Anaconda, Marie Sutor. Bob and Marie married in July of 1957.

At Marie’s urging, Bob interviewed at Norton Company. After assuring them of his academic prowess (which was evident from not flunking out), he began his long career there. Bob was awarded a patent for a high temperature kiln design, and one weekend he was called to Saint Vincent Hospital to use a diamond cutting tool to remove a metal ring from a child’s finger. In order to hone his management skills, Bob completed the Alexander Hamilton Institute Modern Business course. He graduated from the WPI School of Industrial Management and was also recognized by the City of Worcester for teaching a Leadership Skills course to Worcester City Hospital nurses. Bob retired from Norton Company in 1992 as the Manager of Plant and Office Services.

Bob was a member of the First Church in Sterling, the Greendale Retired Men’s Club, and a 45-year member of the Boylston Masonic Lodge. He loved golfing, horseshoes, bowling, card games, puzzles, and spending time cheering on the New York Giants, New England Patriots, and Boston Red Sox. Bob and Marie traveled extensively after retirement, visiting Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Australia, and many national parks. He golfed in Scotland with his son, brought the grandchildren to Disneyworld, and celebrated his 50th anniversary with Marie by taking a cruise with their children and grandchildren.

Bob took great pride in his family and treasured the time and laughter shared with them. He and Marie raised their family in Holden before moving to Briarwood in 2019. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Marie; daughter, Linda Sawin and her husband James of Sterling; and son, Robert Blackmar of West Boylston. He loved and was the extremely proud Opa to his two grandchildren, Jonathan Sawin and Laura Sawin. He also leaves his twin sister, Mildred (Blackmar) Peters, of Alpharetta, Georgia, as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Bob was predeceased by siblings, Edna (Blackmar) Uhr, Arthur Blackmar, and Richard Blackmar.

His sense of humor and quick wit will be missed by family, friends, and all others whose lives Bob touched. We hope that those who knew him will honor his memory by being kind and generous. Bob’s family would like to thank the staff of Briarwood and the Knollwood Nursing Center for their compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 11th from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Funeral Service honoring Bob’s Life will be held at the First Church in Sterling, 6 MeetingHouse Hill Road, Sterling on Saturday, February 12th at 11 a.m. with interment in the spring at the family’s convenience.

Bob was always grateful for the roles that the United States Navy, the G.I. Bill, and Alfred University played in his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Alfred University “Military-Connected Program” fund, Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802.