Maplewood Obituary: Bob Blake, ‘The Quintessential Good Guy’

Robert R. “Bob” Blake, 84, of Berkeley Heights, passed away at home on Friday, May 26. The following obituary comes via the Jacob Holle Funeral Home of Maplewood.

Robert R. “Bob” Blake, 84, of Berkeley Heights passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 26, 2017, with his loving wife of 56 years Mary E. Blake (nee McKenna) at his side.

Before moving to Berkeley Heights last year, Bob was a lifelong resident of Newark. Prior to his retirement, Bob spent his career as an Accountant with the IRS (Mountainside office). He graduated from Seton Hall University in 1955. After graduation, he proudly served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army/Reserve until 1964.

An active member of his parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Maplewood, & the Knights of Columbus, Union, for decades, Bob was known for his dry, quick wit and strong faith.

Bob was pre-deceased by his sister Marie & her husband William “Bud” Colfer; as well as, his brothers William, Joseph, & James. In addition to his beloved wife Mary, sisters-in-law Louise Blake & Leigh Blake, and numerous cousins, nephews & nieces, Bob is also survived by his devoted daughter Patricia Staunton and her husband John, his dedicated son Robert G. and his longtime girlfriend Veronica, and his cherished grandson Michael Staunton.

The quintessential “good guy”, Bob will be greatly missed by his many friends & entire family. All of whom he loved dearly.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at The Jacob Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave., Maplewood on Friday, June 2nd from 4-7 PM. The family will be receiving friends at Our Lady of Peace Church, 111 South Street, New Providence on Saturday, June 3rd at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Entombment following the Mass will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, E. Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 117, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 would be appreciated.

For more information or to send condolences, visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com

Photo courtesy of Jacob Holle Funeral Home