Frederick William Blair, founder of the Frederick Blair Company, provider of fine lighting for area businesses and residences for 49 years, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2001, of complications of Alzheimer's disease in Vincentian de Marillac Nursing Home. He was 84. Mr. Blair founded the company in 1950 in the former Gamble building in downtown Pittsburgh. The company initially furnished high end lighting and accessories to interior designers and eventually served the general public. Mr. Blair and his wife, Blanche, traveled to Europe in search of treasures for him to restore, particularly antique light fixtures. "We traveled to Europe thirty-some times," his wife said. He was born in Sharon, Pa., one of two children born to William and Grace Blair. He lived in Meadville and Erie before moving to Pittsburgh at age 17. During World War II, he was drafted into the Army and served in the records department at Fort Meade. While on leave in 1942, he met Blanche Till, and they married in 1943. Mr. Blair had taken some classes at Duquesne University, but according to family, his knowledge of antiques was self-taught. Mr. Blair eventually moved the business to North Craig Street in Oakland, where it remained until it closed about two years ago. "He knew more about antiques than anybody in this city," his wife said. "He'd just look at something and could tell if it was authentic." Family said Mr. Blair enjoyed reading and playing piano, but above everything he was a homebody who enjoyed being with family. "He really, truly loved to be with his children and his children's children," said his daughter, Bridget Blair. Mr. Blair is survived by his wife, Blanche Till Blair of Oakland; six children, Mark Blair of Den Air, Calif., Tory Fisher of Highland Park, Lark Blasi of Mt. Lebanon, Bridget Blair of Atlanta, Anna Fording of Moon Township, and David Blair of Cranberry; and 14 grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in John A. Freyvogel Sons Inc., 4900 Centre Ave. at Devonshire Street in Oakland. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vincentian de Marillac Nursing Home, 5300 Stanton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

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