Major Douglas L. Blake USAF

Major Douglas L. Blake, USAF, went west with his F-4 Phantom in full afterburner, on November 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM. He was born on February 24, 1939, to the late Mary Frances Hutchinson Blake and Douglas Leslie Blake in Syracuse, NY, and raised with his 6 siblings. In 1956, Doug graduated from Baldwinsville High School and joined the Air Force after a brief stint at Syracuse University. He served from 1959 to 1979, doing three tours in Vietnam, where he earned a number of combat service awards including the Silver Star, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses with device for Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, 25 Air Medals and the Vietnamese Cross with Palm. Doug married Erica Lorentz in 1969, and they had one daughter, Susan, who is dad's pride and joy. After retiring from the military, his second career was at General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. Then, after retiring again in 2004, he got his Physician's Assistant degree and volunteered in the free clinic at Mission Arlington until a few weeks before his death. Throughout his life, he placed great importance on serving others, and his generosity is remembered by friends and family in Texas, New York, and across the world. Throughout his life, he loved hunting, and in his later years took great joy from singing in his church choir and local chorale and even performed at Carnegie Hall. Doug was predeceased by his father and mother; brothers, Richard, Ronald, and David Blake; and sister, Cheryl Warner. Doug is survived by his daughter Susan; ex-wife Erica; brother, Gary (Helga) Blake of Fulton; and sister Joyce (Nick) Grasso of Baldwinsville; as well as many nephews and nieces. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Falardeau Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville. Burial will be in Jacksonville Cemetery. Guestbook at FalardeauFH.com