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Paula D’Angelo Blair, 88, of Suffolk and Utica, New York, left us on Feb. 15, 2023. She was the iconic, beloved mother of Nancy, Neil and Becky Blair; grandmother of Francesca and Gillian Krivitsky and a cherished friend, confidant and champion to so many. 

Paula’s resume was short, but her impact and legacy are writ large on the lives she touched. She grew up in Utica and carried her childhood friends close her whole life long. She loved strong women and believed unwaveringly in the goodness of every young person who came into her life. You could do no wrong in Paula’s eyes. She loved well and generously.

In addition to her children, Nancy Blair (Sarah Rosen), Neil Blair (Connie Blair) and Becky Blair (Ben Shapiro) and grandchildren, Paula is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Ricci of Utica; niece, Judith Ricci Struzzi; and nephew, Nicky Ricci. She was predeceased by her husband, Cornelius Osborne Southern Blair Sr., and parents, Nancy and Frank D’Angelo.

The family would like to give special recognition to Susan Judkins and her granddaughter, Jennifer Hott for all of their care and support.

A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church, by the Rev. Fr. Rogelio “Ongen” Largoza. The family received friends following the service at the home. Entombment is at Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum in Utica. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, downtown Suffolk, is serving the family. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.