Richard W. Blake

Richard W. Blake, 84, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2015, at Robert's Nursing Home, North Kingstown. He was the beloved husband of Doris (Moretti) and had been married to the late Florence (Johnson) Blake for more than fifty years. Born in Cranston, he was a son of the late Thomas and Ida (Wallberg) Blake. Besides his wife Doris, Mr. Blake is survived by his loving children: Steven Blake and his wife June of New Jersey, Sharon Pannucci and her husband Steven of New Jersey, Ronald Blake and his wife Laura of Ohio. His six grandchildren were also a great source of pride to him. As a young man, Mr. Blake served in the United States Navy. Then he went on to build a successful lifelong career in the insurance industry. For many years, Mr. Blake faithfully participated in the Covenant Church while living in New Jersey. Upon returning to Rhode Island, he has been a beloved member of Jamestown Chapel. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Home Service on Monday, at 10:45 a.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNEAL HOME, SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Route 1A.), Narragansett. VISITING HOURS: Monday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Richard W. Blake died peacefully on July 17, 2015 at Roberts Health Centre in N. Kingstown, RI. Born in Boston, MA he was the son of the late Thomas and Ida Blake (Wallberg). Richard grew up in Cranston and Warwick, RI. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He began his lifelong insurance career in property insurance at the Providence Washington Insurance Co. In 1959 he moved to New Jersey working as an Account Agent. In 1969 he joined Allendale Insurance based in Johnston, RI and retired in 1993 as a Senior Account Executive for the New York Operations in Parsippany, NJ. He was in the highly protected risk and commercial property insurance business for 40 years. Richard made his home in Livingston, NJ for 47 years. He was a dedicated member of Trinity Covenant Church in Livingston, NJ where he was a leader in many aspects of church life. He was also an active father with his sons in Boy Scout Troops 12 and 30. He enjoyed spending time with his family; there were many happy memories of holiday gatherings, birthday parties, sporting events and picnics. He loved diners, food, road trips, the NJ Devils and NY Giants, fishing and the beach. Richard loved people and his optimistic and cheery attitude was refreshing and memorable. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Florence A. Blake (Johnson). He is survived by his children Steven R. Blake and wife June of E. Hanover, NJ, Sharon L. Pannucci and husband Steven of E. Hanover, NJ, and Ronald A. Blake and wife Laura of Dublin, OH. He was Pop Pop to Lauren, Kristin, Diana, Amanda, Tara and Skyler. He is also survived by his wife Doris M. Blake (Moretti) of Wakefield, RI and her children Donna Cote and husband Mark, Eric Abrahamson, Viola Mollo, Andrew Ballou and wife Susana, Linda Faria and Mark Ballou and wife Elizabeth all of Rhode Island and their children. He relocated to Rhode Island in 2006 where he made his new home with Doris close to the ocean first in Westerly and later in Wakefield, RI. A funeral service was held at the Nardolillo Funeral Home, Narragansett, RI where military honors were conducted. A memorial gathering celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, September 5 at Trinity Covenant Church, 343 E. Cedar Street, Livingston, NJ. The church is on the hill at the intersection of Northfield Avenue and East Cedar Street. Friends and family may visit at 12:30 PM followed by the service at 1:30 PM. Contributions in his memory can be made to Trinity Covenant Church, Livingston, NJ.

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