William (Bill) J. Blair, age 79, a resident of Bloomingdale, IL passed away on Saturday, 7 of January, 2023. He was born in Baltimore, MD on April 6, 1943.

Bill spent 27 years in active duty for the United States Navy as a Chief Petty Officer Naval Corpsman and another 3 years in inactive reserve duty. During those 30 years in the military he served two tours of the Vietnam War, received a Purple Heart, served on a Marine base for 7 years, and worked with the Seabees for 3 years. He moved all over the United States (VA, DC, RI, CA, IL) to follow the directives of the military. Once retired from the US Navy, he worked another 14 years as a civilian at the Great Lakes Naval Base for the Naval Housing Department. Bill took pride in serving his country with vigilance and dedication. Bill enjoyed spending his time reading, taking photos, traveling, giving back to his community through local charities, playing card games, volunteering, and spending time with his loved ones. He never let anyone enter or leave his presence without receiving a hug. Bill was known for his generosity, compassion, encouragement, and integrity. He was a devoted and attentive husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His attention to detail was something he will be remembered by. He was shoulder to lean on, arms of security, and heart full of love for many.

Bill is survived by his two loving daughters, Barbara A. (Scott) Laing and Judi A. (David) Kernica; four grandchildren, Irene C. (Justin) Thompkins, Nathan C. Kernica, Hannah A. (David) Hodge, and Naomi N. Kernica; and three siblings, Joan (John) Opitz, Robert (Marlene) Blair, and Joseph Richard (Ricky) Fitzpatrick.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Judith (Judie) R. Blair; his parents, William R. Blair (father) and Anna J. Fitzpatrick (mother); his brother, Thomas (Tommy) E. Blair.

Visitation will be held at Bloomingdale Church, 264 Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1:00 p.m.

If you would like to make a donation in Bill's honor to either the VFW National Home or The Wounded Warrior Project please use the following information:

VFW National Home
3573 S Waverly Rd Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

Wounded Warrior Project
PO Box 758541 Topeka, KS 66675-8541