John F. Blais, Jr. of Framingham, MA and Ft. Myers, FL passed away on Saturday May 30, 2026.

Mr. Blais founded Optical Filter Corporation ("OFC") in 1978 and served as its president and CEO until 1999.  OFC provided high quality infrared coatings to the defense and aerospace industries.  Under his leadership, OFC grew and expanded into other optical technologies, making it an industry leader in the design and manufacture of specialized optics, mirrors and lenses.

Jack is known as one of the foremost philanthropists in Massachusetts, having donated millions of dollars to cancer research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and other educational and scientific institutions.  He was a patron of the Arts and funded numerous other philanthropic, educational and scientific endeavors.  Jack was a Trustee of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Trustee of Lee Memorial Health of Southwest Florida.

Mr. Blais was a founder and director of FineMark National Bank and Trust of Florida.

He leaves his wife Shelley, his children Linda Serrano of California, Robert Blais of Franklin, Cynthia Johnson of Florida.  Stepchildren Kimberly Marcoaldi of Florida, Lynda Boudrot of Framingham and Diane Kelly of Framingham.  He also leaves 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday June 5th at 11:00am in St. Cecilia's Church, 54 Esty St. Ashland, MA with burial to follow in Edgell Grove Cemetery in Framingham.  Calling hours will be held Friday from 9:00-10:30am in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA.