Bob Blair Obituary: UFCW Local 227 President Dies in Louisville, KY
It is with deep sadness that UFCW Local 227 announces the passing of President Bob Blair on July 8, 2026. Bob was a devoted leader who spent nearly five decades of his life fighting for the rights and wellbeing of working people.
His commitment to the more than 20,000 members of UFCW 227, along with union workers everywhere, defined his life’s purpose and left a mark that will not be forgotten.
Bob began his journey with UFCW 227 in 1977 when he started working for The Kroger Company. It was there that he discovered his calling as an advocate for fellow workers.
For twenty-six years, he served as a Chief Steward, standing up for coworkers and learning firsthand what it meant to fight for fair treatment on the job. That experience shaped the rest of his career and became the foundation of everything he would go on to accomplish.
In 2003, Bob joined the staff of UFCW 227 as a Union Representative, working day in and day out on behalf of members.
His dedication and skill did not go unnoticed. In 2013, he was named Secretary Treasurer, and just two years later, in 2015, he rose to become President of UFCW 227, a position he held with pride and integrity until his passing.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Bob’s impact reached far beyond the walls of Local 227. He gave much of his time to the community and the greater labor movement through his leadership of the UFCW 227 Foundation.
He also served as a Trustee on Pension and Health and Welfare boards, work that helped protect access to quality healthcare and retirement security for countless union workers and their families.
As an International Vice President of the UFCW International Union, Bob carried the cause of working people even further, representing their interests on a national stage.
Those who knew Bob describe him as a people person above all else. He was known for being approachable, a good listener, and someone who made others feel heard and valued. Friends and coworkers often speak of his sharp wit and his ability to bring humor into even the most difficult situations, a quality that made him not just a respected leader but a beloved friend to many.
Remembered by Family, Friends, and the Union Community
Bob is survived by his wife Caitlin, daughter Rhiannon, son Rob, and his grandchildren. The outpouring of love and grief from members, colleagues, and friends across the labor community reflects just how deeply he touched the lives of those around him.
Many recall his fierce dedication to protecting workers’ pay, benefits, and working conditions, along with his warmth, humor, and genuine friendship.
One retiree, who spent 35 years at Kroger, credited Bob directly for the pension he still draws today, a testament to the tangible difference Bob made in people’s everyday lives. Others remembered rounds of golf, long friendships spanning decades, and a leader who held his staff and members together through steady, caring guidance.
Bob Blair’s life was one of service, humor, and unwavering commitment to the labor movement. He leaves behind a legacy of fairness, compassion, and hard-fought progress for working families everywhere. He will be deeply missed by his family, his UFCW 227 family, and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
The thoughts and prayers of the entire UFCW 227 community remain with the Blair family during this difficult time.
