Frank Blair

Frank Welton Blair was born on November 16, 1934, on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Sint Eustatius, affectionately known as "Statia," in the Netherlands Antilles. He was the seventh of thirteen children born to Edward and Maude Blair. Their children, in order of birth, were Walter, Leah, Millie, Edward, May, Wilson, Frank (Dad), Clinton, Thomas, Wilder, Alan, Eldine, and Edwin. Before Edward's union to Maude there was an older sister named Agnus affectionately known as Sill. Bringing the total number of children to 14.

Growing up in the White House on the family farm know as Pleasures, which lead to the Quill. Creating Frank's childhood, a place surrounded by breathtaking beauty, horseback riding, and the lessons of faith, hard work, perseverance, and responsibility that would define his life.

In his late teens, Frank ventured to Aruba, where he worked on the docks and aboard ships, earning the nickname "Sweet Frankie." In 1957, with the help of his older brother Edward ("Uncle Eddie"), he immigrated to the United States and began what would become a distinguished career in underground construction. As a proud member of Local 29 and later Local 147, the renowned Sandhogs. Frank devoted his working life to building New York City's underground infrastructure. Alongside his brothers, relatives, and fellow Sandhogs, he contributed to projects that continue to serve millions today. Those who worked beside him knew him simply as "Big Frank," a name that reflected both his physical presence and the strength of his character.

The Sandhogs built New York City's vital underground infrastructure. Some of their most significant historical modern projects include: Water tunnel #3. Which is the largest Construction project in NYC history, blasting through solid bedrock to 1000 feet below the five boroughs This massive deep rock tunnel ensures water delivery to the millions and has been the Sandhogs most demanding ongoing project for decades. City Tunnels 1 & 2, historic deep-pressure tunnels built through bedrock to carry water throughout the five boroughs. The structural foundation for the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as underwater vehicle crossings like the Holland, Lincoln, and Queens Midtown and Brooklyn battery tunnels. The massive underground caverns and tunnels that bring the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Terminal. Extending the NYC subway system to the far west side of Manhattan and the Hudson Yards development.

God's providence was evident when Frank attended the wedding reception of church friends Udell and Robert Darville, where he met Louise C. Thompson, the woman who would become his beloved wife and lifelong companion. They were married on June 28, 1959, a day that also celebrated both of their mothers' birthdays. They became the first couple to be married at Brooklyn Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church in a ceremony officiated by Pastor James North. Surrounded by family and friends like the Deals, Edgecombs, Rolles, Brooks and Armstrongs to name a few. Their marriage became a beautiful testimony of faith, commitment, and enduring love, and God blessed them with four sons: Frank Welton, Karl Maxwell, Earl Gordon, and Daniel Alexander.

The Blair home first in Crown Heights and later in East Flatbush became known for its open doors and warm hospitality. Family and friends were always welcomed with delicious food, joyful fellowship, Sabbath lunches, holiday celebrations, birthdays, cookouts, and laughter. Frank and Louise created a home where everyone felt like family and memories were made that continue to be treasured today.

Their love story continued through the decades. In 1984, they renewed their wedding vows in celebration of twenty-five years of marriage with each of their sons participating in the ceremony. Twenty-five years later, on June 28, 2009, they renewed their vows again in the intimacy of their own home as they celebrated fifty years together. Though they did not reach seventy-five years of marriage, the Lord graciously blessed them to celebrate sixty-seven wonderful years side by side.

Following retirement, Frank and Louise moved to Apopka, Florida, where they became faithful members of Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church. Frank served as a deacon and continued the ministry of hospitality for which he and Louise were so well known. Their home remained a place where family reunions flourished and where everyone knew they would find good food, warm conversation, and unconditional love.

When declining health brought them back to New York in 2022, Daniel and his wife, Yvonne, lovingly welcomed them into their home. There Frank enjoyed the comfort of being surrounded by those he loved most, while the family's cherished traditions continued for another generation.

On Monday, June 29, 2026, Frank was admitted to the hospital. With his beloved family gathered around him and Pastor Sturrup at his bedside, he peacefully entered his rest on Thursday, July 2, 2026, confident in the blessed hope of the resurrection.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of sixty-seven years, Louise Blair; his sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Charlene, Karl and Karen, Earl and Jackie, and Daniel and Yvonne; nine beloved grandchildren, Justin, Quincy, Hunter, Jordan, Kennedy, Ryan, Lauren, Chase, and Preston; one treasured great-granddaughter, Keh'Lani; his sister, Wilder Astwood; and a host of sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Frank's legacy is not measured only by the tunnels he helped build beneath the amazing New York City, but by the lives he built above it. He grew into a man of faith, steadfast integrity, quiet strength, generous hospitality, and unwavering devotion to his family. His life reminds us that true greatness is found in serving God, loving one's family, and blessing others without seeking recognition. Though he now rests, his influence, his example, and his love will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know him until that glorious day when we meet again.