Jerome “Jerry” G. Blair, Sr.

Jerome “Jerry” G. Blair, Sr. ’59, 83, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. He was the husband of Nora Shelley.

With sadness, we announce the passing of Jerome Golibart Blair, “Jerry,” on August 13, 2024. A loving father, devoted educator, and passionate adventurer, he left behind a legacy of love, knowledge, and cherished memories. Jerry was born and raised in Baltimore, along with five siblings in a close-knit family. His childhood was marked by resilience following the loss of his father at age 10 years old. This pivotal moment led him to the Milton Hershey School in the 7th grade, where he blossomed, found a love for music in the glee club, and demonstrated athleticism on the swim team. At Hershey his mechanical aptitude emerged, setting him on a path that deeply influenced his life.

After graduating, Jerry attended Spring Garden Institute in Philadelphia for a 2-year study in auto mechanics. Thus began his career as a mechanic at International Harvester in Philadelphia. He joined the National Guard and became a cook and later transitioned into the motor pool. He was activated during the 1968 Martin Luther King unrest in Baltimore. However, his true passion lay in teaching, and for over 32 years, he dedicated himself to instructing vocational automotive courses at various high schools in Baltimore County, Maryland. His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom; Jerry took great joy in teaching life skills to his family and friends, from making beds and shining shoes to sharing his love for skiing and sailing. Jerry worked tirelessly to support his family, balancing his role as a teacher with managing a successful marine engine service business. His hard work and determination ensured that his family enjoyed a comfortable and fulfilling life.

A true enthusiast of life, Jerry had an abiding passion for cars, and he began collecting sports cars at a young age. Among his prized possessions were a Porsche, Austin Healey, MGA, and a BMW convertible. His love for the water was equally strong; he was an accomplished sailor, racing and cruising the Chesapeake Bay. Starting with the notorious Mob Jack, he went on to own the beautiful Jeaneau 44-foot sailing yacht named Andiamo. Jerry delighted in teaching sailing to family, friends, and even strangers, spreading his joy for the sport to all who would listen. Skiing was another of Jerry’s great passions. As a senior ski patroller for over 30 years, he was known for his grace on the slopes, as well as his dedication to sharing his love for skiing with his children and anyone eager to learn. Many weekends were spent driving the family to the mountains, creating cherished memories on the snow. Jerry was a true family man, cherishing both his immediate and extended family. Family traditions were immensely important to him. From rolling the thinnest sugar cookies to making his mother’s legendary fruitcakes-so potent that simply opening the lid was an experience-he filled our lives with love, laughter, and warmth. Jerry was strict but always fun to be around, embracing every moment with enthusiasm and joy.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Nora Shelley, children, Jerome Blair, Jr (Dawn), Brigette Shipley (Jeff), John Blair, cherished grandchild, Katherine Ratliff, stepchildren Michelle Gnau (Chip), John Roeseke III (Michele) and numerous step grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother Anna Louise Golibart, father John T. Blair, sister Anna Marie Ugarte, sister Baby Jane, brother Robert ‘Bo’ Blair, and previous wife M.A. Kathleen Kursch Blair, mother of his three children. His warmth, dedication, and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever be felt in the hearts of those who had the privilege to call him father, mentor, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ‘Dearden Foundation’, 109 McCorkel Rd., Hershey, PA 17033, at Milton Hershey School, reflecting Jerry’s lifelong dedication to teaching and community. Tack away Captain Jerry Tack away.