Barton W. Blau

Barton W. Blau, 70, of East Hampton and formerly of Portland died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning in the Marlborough Emergency Department of Middlesex Hospital. Born Dec. 2, 1947 in new Haven he was the son of the late William and Beverly (House) Blau. Bart grew up in Portland and moved to the lake in East Hampton in the 1950’s with his parents and siblings. Bart was a graduate of Seton Hall University and was the owner of several businesses over the years. He was the Past President of the East Hampton Rotary, and a Past member of the East Hampton Town Council. Bart was bigger than life even as a toddler: with an adorable head of curls, big brown eyes that didn’t miss a trick and a gregarious personality. He would walk away from his parents and start up conversations with strangers. In grade school, he was hyperactive and industrious and drove the teachers crazy as he took control of the classroom with his wit, or walked around selling pencils to his classmates (as he later bragged was his FIRST business). 

Bart never met a person he didn’t or couldn’t like, and spent his life with the giving heart, laughter and determination of that little boy, he would give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar. He was a free spirit who flew through the sky on his hang glider, and sailed on the lake at 50 miles an hour in the ice boat. His latest joy was the sailboat he recently restored to once again race on the lake, teach others to sail, and share his love of the beautiful lake we grew up on. He believed the most important thing in life was time, and he gave his freely. He once remarked that you could get through anything so long as you had $20, a roll of duct tape, and your wits. He is survived by his wife Maria (Martins) Blau of East Hampton, son Eric Blau and his wife Julia of NY, daughter Britany Blau and her partner Brandon Luena of Higganum, two step daughters Camila Tougas and husband Jeremy of Manchester, Caroline Laurindo and wife Carmen of West Hartford, sister Sherry Wintory and husband Michael of AZ, four grandchildren Grayson, Gwendolyn, Caio and Benjamin. He was predeceased by a brother William Blau. Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral home 112 Main St. East Hampton on Friday June 8th from 5:00PM until 7:00PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the East Hampton Food Bank 22 East High St. East Hampton, CT 06424.

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