Sidney Andrew Blair Jr.

Sidney Andrew Blair Jr. Age 94, passed away August 7, 2020. Sidney was a 1942 graduate of East Detroit High School. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army/Air Force, stationed at Langley Field, VA where he was trained as a Radio Operator. Sidney attended Michigan State University and received his Master's Degree in Music Education and Administration from Wayne State University. He was a music teacher and administrator for East Detroit Public Schools for 35 years, where he was instrumental in developing the music program, retiring in 1981 as the System Fine Arts Chairman. He was also involved with the Jazz Studies program at Macomb County Community College. His teaching career included 10 consecutive first place awards at Michigan State Bank and Orchestra state festivals. After retirement he was involved in Big Band Special Services Dance and Show Big Bands. He was also a side musician, backing many big name acts at Pine Knob, Meadowbrook, the Fisher Theater, Music Hall and many night clubs as well as playing for the Ice Follies and Ringling Bros. Circus. After moving to Florida his music career stayed in full swing, playing with bands such as Joe Oddo, Frank Roberts, Nick Russo, Warren Bills just to name a few. He was "on call" for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and a traveling musician for concerts in Windsor, Ontario; Carnegie Hall, NY and Kennedy Performing Arts Auditorium, Wash DC. Sidney and Helen also enjoyed many cruises where he was "booked" to play in the ships orchestra. Beloved husband of Helen. Their children and family: Sidney James Blair with Kathy Wishart; Mario Chiarani with Alaine Blair Chiarani & Mario Blair Chiarani with Erin Nelson & Heath E. Chiarani; Christopher with Leslie (Blair) Capitan & Christopher Capitan with Becky Baker & Danielle Capitan with Dan Brown; James with Dawn Blair & Nathan Blair & Jason Blair with Hunter Voyles Visitation at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd. (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke), Utica, Thursday, August 13th 2 - 8pm, with a Prayer service at 7pm. Funeral Mass Friday 10am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 54045 Schoenherr Rd., Shelby Twp. Please share a memory at SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Sidney Andrew Blair Jr.

February 20, 1926 - August 7, 2020