ILION - Clifford T. Blair, Sr., 83 years old, of Pine St., Ilion, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2012, with his loving family by his side. He was born on December 27, 1928, in Utica, the son of William and Catherine (Lee) Blair. Clifford was a proud veteran, having served his country with the US Navy. He was employed by General Electric for thirty-four years, retiring in 1991. He is survived by his wife, the former Rosalie Sbaraglia, of Utica, whom he married in 1946. Clifford is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Clifford, Jr., and Micky Blair, of Claremont, NH; three daughters, Diane Sweezey Lane, of York, PA, Linda Blair Marrotta, of Amsterdam, NY, and Erin Blair Thayer, of Ilion; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter, Christine Blair Foster; his brother, Bill; and two sisters, Ruth and Clara. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Clifford's Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Ilion, with Pastor Richard Schauss officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., prior to the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, kindly consider a contribution in Clifford's name to HOSPICE and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes are available at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion. The Blair family has entrusted all arrangements and supervision to Don Applegate, Funeral Director. "Grieve not nor speak of me with tears, but laugh as though I were beside you."