William F Blake

Grosse Pointe - William Frederick Blake, 81, a lifelong resident of Grosse Pointe, died February 12, 2025. Bill was born August 28, 1943, in Detroit, a son of the late Anne and John Blake. He was the beloved father of Patricia Blake and the late Brian Blake. He was the proud grandfather of Christian, Patrick, and Blake Ilitch and the great-grandfather of Christian Ilitch, Jr. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary Ann (Stechschulte) Blake, his son, Brian, his sister, Elizabeth, and his brother, Timothy. In addition to his daughter and grandsons, Bill is survived by his brothers John (Jan), Patrick (Laura), Francis (Joan), and Christopher (Anne).

Bill was a proud graduate of Austin Catholic High School and John Carroll University. After graduating from college Bill went to work at a small accounting firm, Godfrey, Hammel, Daniels and Company. Over the course of his career there, he helped the firm grow from 7 to more than 60 employees. He retired as the Managing Partner in 2014. His clients respected his accounting and tax expertise, but also recognized him as a confidant and friend because of his business acumen and integrity.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Bill's greatest legacy was the work he did mentoring perhaps hundreds of people as part of his association with Alcoholics Anonymous. He had a gift for connecting with people who were new to the program and always emphasized that they were all in this together, and that their only purpose was to help each other stay sober and alive. Bill was known for his dry sense of humor, keen interest in politics, and strong opinions.

Funeral services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Mariner's Inn Detroit, 445 Ledyard Street, Detroit, MI, 48201 or to Salvation Army Detroit, 3737 Lawton St, Detroit, MI 48208.