Robert Blair Irey, 83, a retired physician, died June 30 of complications of Alzheimer's disease at the Millennium home in Edgewater. He
was a former resident of Shady Side and Silver Spring.
Dr. Irey was born in Washington and graduated from McKinley Tech High School in 1940. He received his medical degree from George
Washington University Medical School in 1946 and then served for two years in the medical corps of the Army Air Forces and the Air Force.
He was stationed at Bolling Air Force Base.
In 1948, he joined his brother's family-medicine practice, working first in Hyattsville and then in White Oak. He retired in 1985 and divided
his time between Shady Side and North Fort Myers, Fla.
He was a member of the Hyattsville Optimist Club, a founding member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Silver Spring and a charter
member of the West River Sailing Club. He enjoyed building houses and carpentry, sailing, golf, singing and playing the harmonica.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jean Irey of Shady Side; three daughters, Jill Irey of Rockville, Joy Irey of Scranton, Pa., and Jennifer
Irey Taylor of Todd, N.C.; a brother, Hugh Ivey of Shady Side; seven grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.