Alfred "Al" Blake

MILLBURY - Alfred Levi Blake, 100, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 24th at Stone Rehabilitation and Senior Living, in Newton, where he had resided for eighteen months.

Al was born at home in North Brookfield, on July 15, 1925. There was no scale in the house, but his mother said he was a “big baby.”

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Al served during World War II. He earned the Purple Heart and the rank of Sergeant. He was employed by New England Telephone until his retirement. He was also honored as a Millbury “Old Timer” in recognition of his service to the town and its residents as a volunteer with the fire department, Boy Scouts, and youth baseball.

Al leaves his son Edward, and his wife, Jennifer of Hopkinton, and three granddaughters, Lauren and her partner, Bryce van de Geijn of Pflugerville, TX; Emily and her fiancé, Tarek Shaib of Natick and Katherine Blake, also of Natick. He was blessed with one great-granddaughter, Zoey Blake van de Geijn. Mr. Blake is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

“Papa”, as he was affectionately known, was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Dona (Sluckis) Blake, his sister, Dorothy and brother, Clarence.

Family and friends will honor and remember Al’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Monday, Sept. 29th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated following the visitation at 11 a.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street, Millbury. Burial with military honors will be held in St. Brigid Cemetery. Millbury.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to either: The Millbury Senior Center 1 River St. Millbury, MA 01527 or The Residents’ Recreation Fund, Stone Rehabilitation and Senior Living 277 Elliot Street, Newton, MA 02464.