Blake Smith

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of "Blake" (William Blakeslee) Smith, on November 20, 2023, at the age 82. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Known for his quick wit, intelligence, public speaking skills, generosity, joy of singing, and mostly his sense of humor, Blake lived a life filled with laughter, love, and dedication.
Blake was preceded in death by both of his parents, Alice Rosalie Griffen and William Herbert Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Seton, of Boca Raton; his twin daughters, Alison Gervais and Ariel Whittington (Kevin), of central Florida; his four grandchildren, Parker, Adelyn, Avery and Ava ; his sisters, Susie Smith Wilkes (Bill) of Bedminster, New Jersey and Gretchen Brewster of Evanston, Illinois; as well as extended family including many beloved nieces and nephews.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island on June 13, 1941, Blake primarily grew up in New Jersey. He attended Kent School in Connecticut from 1954, graduating in 1960. He then went onto Colgate University, earning his Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1964. During his time there he enjoyed many extracurricular activities such as Phi Gamma Delta events, sports radio announcing, and singing with the Colgate 13 acapella group. He served in the National Guard from 1967 to 1972.
He began his financial career with National Newark and Essex Bank as an Estate and Trust Officer and moved to Miami, Florida in 1974. In 1994 he launched the most significant pursuit of his career, the Guardian Angels department, with First Union National Bank. He recognized the need to manage funds for those who could not do so for themselves and sought to fill this need. He was known to say, "Guardianships are the wild, wild west of banking, and after you get through the court to be appointed, you need a guardian angel." Eventually moving the Guardian Angels to Comerica Bank in 2010, he continued this work for almost 30 years, never retiring. Additionally, he instructed quarterly guardianship training courses with Palm Beach & Broward Counties to guide legal guardians through the process. Blake made significant contributions to his field and approached his work with passion, dedication, and of course humor, earning the respect of clients and colleagues fortunate enough to collaborate with him.
Whether it was Friday Night Pizza, New Year's Eve, a Miami Hurricanes tailgate, as Chef Emeritus of the annual Pork & Passion Fundraiser, or any other 19th street gathering, Blake was most often the life of the party. He enjoyed traveling extensively with family and for work alike. A devoted philanthropist and public servant for various organizations throughout his life, Blake was most proud to be a founding member of the board of directors for Boca Ballet Theater Company.
As we mourn Blake's passing, let us remember him with joy for the laughter and happiness he brought to our lives. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home, 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida.
The memorial service will be held immediately following, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, to celebrate Blake's life and capture the remarkable person he was.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Boca Ballet Theater Company.