Richard Mitchell Blair Jr.

Richard Mitchell Blair Jr., 65, of Bayside, NY unexpectedly passed away on January 7, 2026 on the North Fork of Long Island near his home in Cutchogue. His wife of 23 years & their three boys were able to hold his hands. Born on March 8, 1960 in Evanston, Illinois to Richard Mitchell Blair Sr. & Marilyn Few Green Blair, he was raised with his three younger siblings in Riverside, CT.

Richard had many great qualities, and has left us too soon. He was naturally artistic and enjoyed drawing and painting. He loved music, theater, comedy, and performing. Sharing good times and big laughs with family and friends, he was quick-witted and engaging with a beautiful voice and lively stories. He was passionate about the environment and enjoyed spirited conversations around politics and current events.

Rich loved the water, nature and adventures. At age sixteen, he was a proud crew member on the tall ship Regina Maris during the trans-atlantic race, Operation Sail ‘76. He participated in NOLS wilderness programs in WY & AK and worked at Disney World as a monorail pilot.

A graduate of Greenwich High School; he studied radio, television and theater at the University of Arizona, and trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC. He graduated summa cum laude from NYU’s Gallatin School in Film and Television Production and Environmental Conservation Education. He worked researching and writing at the news desks of CNBC, MSNBC, and in the Science Unit at WNET-TV, New York Public Media.

Richard had a deep appreciation for the beauty of French art, culture and traditions. He worked at Le Cirque, NYC then went on to help open the restaurant Provence in SoHo, and ultimately opened and co-owned his own restaurant, Windows on the Mountain in Vermont.

Above all his many experiences & challenges, Richard was a loyal & loving husband and father - so proud of his wife and boys and all their accomplishments.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly Kasper Blair, and their three sons:

Richard Mitchell III (Trey), Alfred Charles (Charlie), and Alexander David (Alex). He also leaves behind his brother David (Alicia); sisters Carol (Gordon) and Lynn (Brian), his Aunt Nancy D'Angelo; as well as many dear cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Marilyn and Dick Blair, and is a direct descendant of Colonel William Few Jr. who was a signer of the United States Constitution. Richard will be remembered for his creativity, intelligence, warmth, humor, and deep love for his family, friends and the natural world.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sat. January 31, 2026, 10AM, at Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside, CT