Garrett "Garry" Blake

Garrett "Garry" Blake, age 82, of North Ilion, passed away at his home on June 21, 2024. 

Garry was born and raised in Clinton, NY, son of the late Michael and Mary (VanLare) Merganthaler. Garry was a retiree of Chicago Pneumatic, but never did stop working. He was always gathering and tinkering with used lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc., which he would then sell so he could buy some more. Many have bought his used equipment from his front yard in North Ilion. He was working on his car in his yard when he passed away, right where he would have liked to be.

His greatest joy was working in his yard, mowing, planting, cutting trees, digging…that’s when he was happiest. He supplied us all with cucumbers and tomatoes for many, many years.  In his early years, Garry loved going to and watching the races. He spent part of his life living in Indianapolis, where he could see the races anytime. 

In November of 1983, Garry was married to the late Katherine M. LaPoint. They enjoyed a long and happy marriage until Katherine’s passing on December 18, 2011.

Garry is survived by three daughters, Cathy Ingraham, Mary (Jim) Tubia, and Lisa Stefanec, and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Speenburgh. He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and thirty two great grandchildren. He was especially close to his granddaughters: Taylor Haley, Brittany Gerety, Rebecca Blake, Hollie and Heather Raux, and his grandsons: Shawn Speenburgh and Joe Ingraham, as well as his brother-in-law, Ernie Tourtelot. Garry was very close to his niece, Becky Pulver, and nephew, Mike Tourtelot and their families. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and his wonderful neighbor, Donna and her family, who looked out for him and brought him a lot of happiness. He also leaves his beloved cats, Missy and Kid, who brought him great joy.

In addition to his wife, Garry was predeceased by his son, Brian Blake just a few weeks ago on May 3, 2024, his sisters, Joyce Tourtelot and Connie Blake, his grandson Dan Ingraham, granddaughter, Jennifer Wildey, and sons, Jeff and Jim Wildey. 

Arrangements for cremation are under the direction and care of Daniel J. Enea-Director at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, Little Falls, 315-508-5131. Private services will be held at a future family gathering, on “Garry’s Hill”.