Dennis R. Blair

Dennis R. Blair, 67, of Shrewsbury passed away peacefully on Saturday March 9, 2024, after a brief but strong, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at the Rose Monahan Hospice House surrounded by his family.

He was married to Cynthia (Swenson) Blair who predeceased him in 2005 after she lost her battle with breast cancer. He was the beloved son of his parents, Richard O. Blair, currently of Worcester, and the late Mary Theresa (Plante) Blair who passed away in June 2021. He leaves his brother Michael D. Blair and his wife Laurel of Worcester, three sisters, Linda Leonard and her husband Brian of Grafton, Patricia Dupre and her husband Richard of Bluffton, SC, and Denise Mangini and her husband Michael of Rutland. He also leaves his sister-in-law Nancy Trabucco and her daughters Tammy Farraday and her husband Michael of Auburn and Brandy Barnes of San Diego, California. Denny leaves many nieces and nephews whom he loved and adored. He leaves wonderful neighbors, especially Dominic Ruggiere who was always there to lend a helping hand in his times of need over the past few years.   

Dennis was born in Worcester and attended Dartmouth Street School then Harrington Way Junior High and graduated from North High School. He then went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in criminology. It was at Quinsigamond Community College that he started his career as a Campus Police Officer in 1978 which would span the majority of his adult life. It was here that he met the love of his life Cindy. He retired on June 1, 2018, which was also the day of their first date. He worked under numerous presidents and help trained new officers that came aboard to be campus police, many of whom have gone on to become Worcester Police Officers. He was known on campus as Sargeant Blair and always had a smile, a kind word and story for all who came across his path. He was always out and about on campus engaging with staff and students. For years you would find him at the top of the hill directing new students and staff at the start of each semester. Not part of his job but loved doing this. He always referred to QCC as his home away from home and always spoke of the staff of wonderful people as family. Near the end of his career, he was assigned to the QCC Healthcare and Workforce Development Campus in downtown Worcester.

Denny and Cindy loved York Beach and had bought a few second homes over the years. They loved just hanging out on Long Sands all day with friends and family. They were going to retire there but life was unfair and did not allow their dream to come true. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Haven Golf Club in Boylston. He loved just going to hang out and socialize or play a round of golf. He had a love of horses in his early twenties and enjoyed hanging out at the old Quick Farms in Westboro where he boarded his horse and spent many days enjoying the outdoors. He also enjoyed going to the horse auctions and rodeos with his brother Mike and many friends from the Grafton Hill area. He loved to cook, shop for exotic spices, clothes, and make delicious meals for his family. He especially loved his mom’s and grandmother’s recipes at holiday times. He loved all sports, but especially loved his Kansas City Chiefs.    

Denny was a big guy with an imposing stature but everyone that knew him knows he was just a sweet and kind-hearted person who was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who crossed his path in life.  

A visitation to pay respects to Denny will be held Sunday, March 17, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a short service at 2:00 PM at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA.  Burial will be a private at the Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Denny’s memory to the QCC Foundation General Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made online at www.qcc.edu/giving or checks made out to QCC Foundation can be mailed to QCC Foundation, 670 West Boylston Street, Worcester MA 01606 and make the notation “scholarship fund in memory of Denny Blair.”