Griffith W. Blakeslee

  
GRIFFITH W. BLAKESLEE "Gurgi"  (Age 78)  
Departed this life, on Saturday, January 28, 2012.  He was the beloved husband of Ellen C. Blakeslee, of Rockville, Maryland, for 55 years. He retired from PEPCO after 33 years of service; after serving as a Rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 -1956. He was born on January 10, 1934. He grew up in Clarence Center, Erie, NY and was later stationed at Quantico, VA.  Mr. Blakeslee was an active and devoted member of the Shrine of St. Jude Catholic Church. He was most well known for his calm and gentle ways. He was often referred to as, the "Candy Man" or the gentleman handing out gold dollars. He also enjoyed reading, exercising, and family vacations at the beach. He was loved by many; especially the children. In his earlier years he was the State Wrestling Champion and always the defender of the underdog. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his brothers Raymond, John and James Martin Blakeslee. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Irma, Edith and Elizabeth. He was like a Dad to Kim (Tommy) McDonough, Zeek (Crissy) Robinson, John (Chrissy), Paul (Lauren) and Mark Dutton; Brother-in-law of Genie and Kate Dutton and Pat Robinson; numerous nieces and nephew and their families.  Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Shrine of St. Jude, 12701 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD on Friday, February 3, at 11 a.m. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. www.CollinsFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, NY, NY 10018 or donations may be made online at the following website:https://support.pdf.org/