Richard "Dick" John Blais, 84, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Syracuse, NY, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.
Born on August 11, 1940, in Ogdensburg, NY, Dick was the son of the late John Blais and Lorraine Blais (Sickman). He graduated from Massena Central High School, where he excelled in athletics and was later inducted into the Massena Central Hall of Fame for wrestling, a reflection of the dedication and values he carried throughout his life and passed on to his family. Dick worked for the New York Power Authority for 30 plus years as a lineman, a career marked by dedication, resilience, and integrity. He also gave over 25 years of service to the Massena Volunteer Fire Department, where he proudly served as Fire Chief from 1995 to 1996.

Dick married his first wife, Verna Blais (Richardson), with whom he shared 23 years of marriage and raised six sons. After Verna's passing, he found lasting companionship and love with Mary Blais (Tyo). Dick and Mary were married for 37 years, building a life together filled with laughter, shared adventures, and strong family bonds.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his sister, Carol Glicer; his sons Gregory (Nancy) Blais, Christopher (Cynthia) Blais, Jeffrey (Kimberly) Blais, Timothy (Laurie) Blais, Paul (Alisha) Blais; daughter-in-law Erin Blais; stepchildren Debbie (John) Snell and Jeffrey Silmser; 18 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his son, Scott Blais; his parents, John and Lorraine Blais; and siblings Gerald Blais, Marlene Dunn, Lillian McGarth, Robert Blais, and Peter Blais.

Dick spent most of his life in Massena, NY, before moving to North Carolina for 10 years. He returned to the Central New York region earlier this year. A man of simple joys, Dick cherished time with his large family, traveling, playing solitaire, and cheering for his favorite teams—the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Giants.

Per Dick's wishes, funeral arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Massena Volunteer Fire Department, honoring his years of service and dedication to the community he loved.

He will be remembered with deep love and gratitude as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community servant whose legacy will live on in all who knew him.