Robert (Bob) Joseph Blandford died peacefully at his home in Raleigh, NC on July 23, 2021. He was 89.

Blandford grew up in Accokeek, MD on his parent’s farm. He was one of seven siblings. He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Blandford worked a significant portion of his career for the federal government serving on assignments in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Vietnam.

Blandford retired from service as an analyst in the Central Intelligence Agency in 1982 after having served for over 29 years. Upon his retirement, Blandford worked as the East Coast Security Officer for Geodynamics and Northrop Grumman for over 13 years. Blandford retired with his wife, Dale, to Governors Land at Two Rivers in Williamsburg, VA where he enjoyed playing golf and participating in activities at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church. He continued to work part-time in his retirement on declassification projects under the Freedom of Information Act finally retiring from work at the age of 83 in 2015. Bob couldn’t share much information about his career with his family but he often said that he really enjoyed his career and would never trade it for another.

He held an Undergraduate Degree from the University of Maryland.

Blandford is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dale Blandford; brother, Thomas Sidney Blandford; sister, Kathleen Fetterolf; as well as, two sons, Rob Blandford and his wife Nancy Everett of Richmond, VA, and Kirk Blandford and his partner Kenny Callaghan of Richmond, VA; daughter, Julie Plowden and her husband, Mickey Plowden of Raleigh, NC; and two granddaughters, Kiersten Plowden and Lauren Plowden both of Raleigh, NC. Blandford was preceded in death by his parents, Irving Paul and Gladys Marsh Blandford, as well as, two sons, Martin Patrick Blandford and Matthew Paul Blandford and his siblings, Clyde Blandford, Mildred Phillips, Irving V. Blandford, and Virginia Lee Robey.

A Celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, date to be determined.

The family wishes to thank Tika Zabalou, his caregiver, Transitions Hospice, for their care in the last days of his life, as well as Jamie VanHanswyk, for companion care.

Bob Blandford was a loving father and grandfather and he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. Blandford’s family believes the description of his accomplishments at the Central Intelligence Agency when he was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal best describes Bob Blandford: “He consistently demonstrated superb initiative and a readiness and capacity to enter new fields of endeavor and his career was characterized by outstanding operational, managerial, and interpersonal skills, reliability, sound judgement, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His professionalism and high standards of personal integrity justly earned the respect and admiration of all those with whom he was associated.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church of Piscataway, Clinton, MD , St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Waldorf, MD , or CIA Officers Memorial Foundation .