David Howard Blake, 77, of Verona, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2015. He was born in Orange, N.J. to Walter and Charlotte Blake.
He received a degree from Newark College of Engineering (NJIT) and served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard. He worked in the microwave electronics field and was corporate secretary and a founder of Triangle Microwave (KDI) of East Hanover in 1977.
Dave was active with Boy Scouts of America Troop 5, Verona, serving as chairman of the annual Verona Flea Market and Merit Badge Counselor. He also was a Rainbows facilitator, dedicated to helping children cope with grief and divorce. He was a founder of Visage, a gay/straight alliance in Verona. He served as a Trustee at First Presbyterian Church of Verona.
Spending many months of the last 26 years in Roque Bluffs, Downeast Maine, he served as chairman of the Duck Cove Road Association. Dave was an avid runner, sailor, photographer and fly fisherman and was happiest when on the water. He especially enjoyed hiking often with his best friend, Pastor Erik Spencer.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Pam (McDonough) Riley Blake. He will be deeply missed by his loving children David Blake, James Riley (Dawn Opizzi), Amanda Riley Becker (Chuck) and Christopher Blake (Gwen) and his four beloved grandchildren, Steven Blake Riley, Nicholas Marino Riley, Riley Anne Becker and Phoebe Marie Blake. He is also survived by his loving brother Philip Blake (Carolyn).
Saturday, February 14, visitation at Prout Funeral Home (370 Bloomfield Ave. Verona), from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 15, funeral service at First Presbyterian Church of Verona (Bloomfield and Fairview Aves, Verona) at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hearts & Crafts Counseling, 330B Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 or Verona Rescue Squad 12 Church St., Verona, NJ 07044.
