Jean Robert Blaise

Jean Blaise, 90, a beloved father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend, has died June 1, 2014 at his home in Cary, NC. Jean Blaise was born March 7, 1924 in Chateauneuf en Thymerais, France to Lucien and Cecil (Flaunet) Blaise. He served in the French army during WWII and was a prisoner of war in Germany. He came to the United States with his beloved wife, Gastienne Blaise, in 1949. As the owner of Foreign Car Service Center in Greenwich, CT, he quickly grew his network of friends and enjoyed social events and getting involved in the local French community. His interests also included soccer and race car driving.

On July 6, 1958, Gastienne and he welcomed their only child, Nadine Jean Blaise (Thompson) into their family. She became the love of their life and a true "daddy's girl". He enjoyed spending as much time with Nadine as possible as she was growing up, and oftentimes brought her to the shop with him to spend the day.

In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren at his home in Sarasota, FL, watching French movies, and frequent trips to the beach.

He is survived by his wife, Gastienne Blaise, 89, his daughter and son-in-law, Nadine and David Thompson of Cary, NC, grandchildren, Christopher, Sara, Jennifer, and Chantal Thompson., his nephew and his wife, Alain and Arlette Rossignol and several nieces and nephews in France.

Jean Blaise was preceded by his siblings and his parents.

His family wrote: "Jean was a strong man; surviving the battle of cancer on two separate occasions. He loved his family and lived his life with integrity and bravery."

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to The Alzheimer's Association. http://m.alz.org/donate.asp