1950 – 2021
N. Grosvenordale – Robert (Bob) L. Blain, 70, of Fabyan Rd., died Friday evening, January 22, 2021 at Westview Healthcare Center. He was the loving husband of Theresa “Terry” (Lippiello) Blain for 46 years. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Lionel and Doris (Ravenelle) Blain.
Bob was the Owner and Operator of Blain Heating Oils, the family business, which he took ownership of in 1978 and held ownership until his retirement in 2002. Before and during this time he also worked as a teacher at New England Technical Institute and taught the plumbing code at Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School’s evening program. Bob also started RDT Racquet Stringing and strung tennis racquets for his friends until his illness.
He was a board member of the Independent CT Petroleum Association from 1985-2002, President of the Northeast Chapter of the Independent CT Petroleum Association from 1986-1992 and served as a board member of the New England Fuel Institute in Boston.
Bob was an avid sports fan and phenomenal athlete. He played on the Deary Brothers softball team for many years during their championship seasons in the 80’s and then went on to play in the Thompson Jack Benny Softball League. He had a passion for playing tennis and was a ranked 4.0 USTA player. He cherished his years playing that sport until his illness.
Bob is survived by his wife, Theresa “Terry” Blain; his children, Derek Blain of Arlington, VA; Jodi Bellefeuille and her husband Scott of Uxbridge, MA; Todd Blain and his wife Stephanie of Sutton, MA; Meghan Leonard and her husband R.J. of Montville, NJ, his sister; Michelle Reis and her husband Michael, of Leicester MA; father-in-law, Connie Lippiello of N. Grosvenordale; and grandchildren, Charlee, Bodie, Colton, Lincoln, Riley, and Jacob and his nieces and nephews.
For all our wonderful friends and family who have been so supportive during this time, we ask you to remember the years before Bob’s illness. Please reminisce about the fun times you had with him. Remember his quiet demeanor yet knowing what to say at the right time. Please recall his sportsmanlike conduct always, his athleticism, graciousness, mechanical abilities, and his classiness. Remember how hard he worked to support his family and who can forget those gorgeous blue eyes? Look back on memories and remember the man he really was, a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a son-in-law, a brother-in-law, a father-in-law, and a friend. Say a prayer for him as we all know he is now at peace.
Bob’s family will forever be grateful for the many medical professionals who cared for him and who fought endlessly to help him. They are especially thankful for Craig Kilgore who donated his bone marrow through the National Bone Marrow Donor program, for Bob’s transplant in 2005. This unselfish act allowed Bob the opportunity to see his children get married, to meet his 6 grandchild and to have many more years with his loving wife.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2021, in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. A gathering will begin in the funeral home on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Due to the current Covid-19 restriction we ask that facial coverings be worn, and social distancing be practiced.
Memorial donations may be made to either the Thompson Little League c/o Thompson Recreation Department, P.O. Box 899, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255, whom Bob supported as a sponsorship to a team during his ownership of Blain Heating Oils or UMASS Memorial Bone Marrow Unit, 365 Plantation Street, Biotech One. Worcester, MA 01605, who gave him an extended life of over 15 years. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
To watch Bob’s Mass of Christian Burial please click the following link: Robert L. Blain’s Webcast (lifetributes.com)
To watch Bob’s memorial tribute video please click on the following link: Life Tributes
albert marcoux jr
sorry for your loss and may god bless your family terry
Nancy
Terry and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you doing this difficult time. May all your wonderful memories of Bob bring you comfort and peace.
Love
Nancy (Blain) & Ron Dalbec
Jack Bibek
Terry and Family: so sorry for your loss!!Bob ( Bibsy) was such a kind and caring man! We grew up together and always could count on him and his caring ways. Bob was a terrific athlete, competitive and always a good sport. When he took over the business, he continued his kindness to his customers in the same kind and friendly way!!The Lord has Bob in his loving arms now, as he suffered so long with his illness! God bless him, and we will continue to pray for him, and all of you as well!!! Sincerely, Jack and Jeannette Bibek
Chris Ferko
I will forever remember him for his love of family and his humor. I also remember him as an extremely hard worker for the oil delivery his family owned. He was such a nice guy to everyone. He will be sorely missed
Dennis O’Neill
Terry,
So sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Pagano
Watching Bob play tennis at the Brooklyn Tennis Club, was like looking at an illustrated book of proper tennis strokes, come to life. To this day. I still use one of Bob’s quotes when he was playing tennis: I’d rather be lucky than good.
We’ll miss you Bob.
Paul & Lynn Pagano
Gretchen Antonelli
Dear Jodi and family, sending all my love and strength during this difficult time! Thinking of you XOXO Gretchen Antonelli
Chad Bergeron
To the Blain Family,
Such sad news. What a man. When I was in high school I would serve his breakfast to him every Saturday at the Woodshed.
We would talk about a lot of stuff
My Senior year, Bibsey Blain suggested to me that I should research Northeastern University for Engineering.
I had no idea about that place.
I applied, visited the School with my mother and Rene.
Got accepted and went.
Graduated with a civil engineering degree.
I am now 48 and still remember that conversation.
And have had a very successful career.
His advice molded my decision as a young man.
God Bless!
Chad
Heidi Gomez
Dear Terry, Derek, Jodi, Todd, Meghan, respective partners, grandkids and family members, please accept our most heartfelt condolences on the loss of Bob. Remember him daily, cherish the good times and remember him for the wonderful man he was and is. Sending much love to you all from over the seas. With tears in our eyes and love in our hearts, Felipe, Heidi and the Gomez, Dootson families.
Karen & Paul Tata
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. We were blessed to have known Bob as an ultimate professional when we built our first home just down the road, and a dear friend who was always there at a moments notice. Our love and prayers to Terry, Derek, Todd, Jodi, and Meghan. He leaves a wonderful legacy. May you find comfort in your memories.
Rachel Sposato
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to Terry , Jody, Derek, Meghan, Todd and Michelle ♥️♥️♥️
Vicki and Mike Martin
We remember Bob with affection and a smile.
When we had a problem we called Bob, not just when our furnace needed attention, but when we needed advice on any home situation. He always offered the very best advice.
Bob shared his wisdom, charmed our children, had a passion for tennis, and was a true leader. Most importantly, he was our friend.
There are so many memories we hold dear as we recall Bob’s life. We were blessed to share this world with him. Most importantly, he loved and was so proud of his family.
Rest in peace, Bob. Your memory will always be treasured.
Mike and Anita Santerre
Terry and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brigid Gore
Terry,
I’m sorry I didn’t know Bob prior to his illness. However the love and devotion between you two was obvious. My deepest condolences on the loss of your best friend ❣️
Sharon Deno
These are the times I wish we hadn’t moved to AZ. Terry, I am so very sorry to learn on the passing of your husband. I can say all the cliche’s known but they really don’t help ease your sorrow. Please know, I hold you and the family in my prayers and once this pandemic is controlled, hopefully we can get together again. Much Love and God Bless.
eleanor lambert
Love and Cpndolences to the Blain family.
Loren and Ralph Salvietti
Dear Terry,
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. You were a wonderful wife. Hugs to your children. I know you all will miss him terribly.
Cynthia K Antos
Terry & Family,
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. Peace be with you.
He was a great man…. very caring about everyone. He will be missed.
I remember the Thompson Little League days when my sons played!
Sincerely, Cynthia K. Antos (Mom of Kevin & Kenny Antos)
Lynda and Mike
Terry and family. So very sorry for your loss. I hope you find some solace in all the love and tremendous care you took of Bob over these many years. Sending you hugs and prayers and much love during this time.
Lynda and Mike
Terry and family. So very sorry for your loss. I hope you’re able to find some solace in all the love and tremendous care you took of Bob over these many years. Sending you hugs, prayers and much love during this time.
Lucille A Langlois
Terry and family,
My sympathies upon the loss of Bob. My memories go back to the gym at the K of C hall on Rte 12, where Bob was an excellent basketball player and Terry was a Cheerleader…..
Lucille Langlois. (Cheerleader Coach)
Denise Carlson
Terry
On behalf of the Central MA ASG, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you in the loss of your husband.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you should need “an ear”.
Denise Carlson
Deb Thayer
Terry…. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories. If there is anything I can do please don’t hesitate to call.. love you my friend ❤️
The Afonso Family
Dearest Blain Family,
We are so very very sorry for your tremendous loss. Jodi, you have shared some wonderful memories, and I hope that in time they will again provide a smile, and not sadness.
May the love and support of your family and friends provide some solace and comfort in this difficult time. Much Love,
Susan, Rui, Alex, and Chris. xoxo
Jim Phaiah
Bobby was one of the nicest guys I ever met., a true gentleman. I enjoyed playing ball with Bob on Deary Brothers as his first baseman. He was one of the smoothest infielders I ever saw play. He could turn a double play so smoothly, and he was a great team player. It was my pleasure to have met him, and will always pray for him and his family. God Bless you Bobby!
Your Friend,
Ken + Wendy Pieper
Terry we are so sorry for your loss We hope the happy times that you have shared will bring you comfort
Jamie Ribaudo
My sincerest condolences to the entire Blain Family. So sorry for your loss.
Prayers and sympathy,
Jamie Ribaudo
eleanor lambert
I am so so sorry for your loss. Just finished watch the tribute to Bob. Such wonderful memories you have of him. Wish I could have known him longer. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Ellie
Kaylee and Jim Cahoon
We are saddened to learn of the loss the Blain family has suffered and hope that you will heal together with the great love for Bob you all share. Our deepest sympathies.
Jim, Kaylee, Cole and Sadie Cahoon