Photo courtesy of Hodges Family Funeral Home - Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills, Florida
Apr 28, 1944 – Dec 26, 2018
Dr. Norman J. Blake, 74, of Dade City, passed away on December 26th. Norm was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts to Vaughn W. Blake and Beatrice M. Blake. The family moved to St. Petersburg when Norm was 3, and he was a member of the Northeast High School class of 1962. He graduated from Florida Presbyterian (now Eckerd) College, in 1966, where he cultivated many true and abiding friendships. In 1972, he received a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island and embarked on a 33-year career on the faculty of the University of South Florida’s School of Marine Science. He specialized in shellfish ecology and reproduction, with a focus on the restoration of Florida’s native scallop populations. His work will continue into the future through the efforts of the many graduate students he mentored. As a college freshman, Norman met Virginia Dew, of Dade City. They were married after graduation, and enjoyed 52 years together. Virginia survives him, as do their children, Sandra (Larry) Boles, of Newport, Oregon, Dr. Jonathan (Mindy) Blake, of Dade City, and James Blake of St. Petersburg, and grandchildren, Isaac, Tyler, Elijah, Lexi and Levi. Norman was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Vaughn, Edmond, and Russell. He was the long-time owner of the trawler Argopecten, and enjoyed a lifelong interest in the ocean, boating, and marine life. His membership in the National Shellfisheries Association took him to many distant locations, and we know his loss will be felt by colleagues and friends from every corner of the globe. Norm was active in the Pioneer Florida Museum Association (Dade City), having served as its treasurer until very recently. The family is requesting memorial donations to the Museum(www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org) in lieu of flowers. A celebration of Dr. Blake’s life is being planned for friends and family in early February.
Read MoreStill missing you Norm. Our world gets smaller every day. Thanks for all the lessons learned in marine biology! Dan Roberts
Daniel Roberts
December 24, 2023 | Wimauma, FL | Coworker
The extraordinary scientific academic initiatives brought forth by Dr. Norman Blake at the University of South Florida will be a model for research in tropical environments. His memories have anchored deeply in young faculty and students in may parts of the tropical world.
Juan Gonzalez
December 26, 2019 | Mayaguez, PUERTO RICO
I am so proud to have been a student of Norm's and to be a member of the "Blakes Flakes". This hangs on my office wall as a reminder of great times.
Jay Leverone
January 10, 2019
I was a grad student who benefitted from insight and teaching by the one and only Norm Blake. Ill never forget his black cap, which often held a large fishing hook on its end. Classic! I didnt have enough personal interactions with him but those I did hold strong memories for me. He was one of the cool ones who solidified my desire to pursue a career in ocean science. Rest well, Norm! You inspired so many and I can only hope that means youre comfy and smiling up there.
Kristen Kusek
January 09, 2019 | St. Pete, FL | Student
Norman was a dear brother- in- law and friend. I am forever grateful for the way he took over when his brother, my husband Ed died. He handled everything even though he was grieving too. I am so sorry for the loss to his family and all who loved him. The world needs more people like Norm.
Antoinette Blake
January 09, 2019 | St. Petersburg, FL | Friend
Gonna miss him so very much. A unique person and a good friend.
chuck Adams
January 03, 2019 | Gainesville, FL
The Officers and Board of ThUSFar , The Assoc. for Retired Faculty & Staff of the University of South Florida , wish to extend condolences to the family of Prof. Norman Blake . We also want to recognize his many years of faithful service to the University . Richard Dutton , Ph.D , Board Member .
Richard Dutton
January 03, 2019 | Temple Terrace, FL
Norman was the best friend I ever had. He nurtured my scientific and academic growth as we moved along our graduate work at the Graduate School of Oceanography of the University of Rhode Island.My family and I owe him and Virginia our quick adaptation to living away from our country and our love for life and every thing around us.Norman's excellence as a scientist and as a human being were unique: reasons, among many, for our deep admiration for him.
Juan González
January 03, 2019 | Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Isaiah 61:1
January 02, 2019
