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Merrill Blake Obituary

BLAKE, MERRILL C. "MEL" Merrill C. Blake, 79, passed away Oct. 9, 2010 at home. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlotte; son, Timothy who is a graduate of Chapel Haven; 2 sisters, Joan Tufano, & Vivien (Steve) Gyuro; brother, Bruce (Priscilla) Blake. Mel & Charlotte moved to Florida in 2002 from Hamden, CT. He was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, a U.S. Army Korean War veteran & member of the Crescent Players at Southern Connecticut University. Mel loved to sing and act, travel & play golf. He earned his B.S. degree from New Haven State Teacher's College and Masters Degree from the University of Connecticut. He taught English for 32 years at Cheshire High School, and was a member of Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity. Mel was the director, for 27 years and the president for 18 years at Wepawaug-Flagg Federal Credit Union in Hamden, CT. There will be a funeral Mass at 9:30 am, Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 at St. Frances Cabrini, followed by a service at Florida National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Chapel Haven, Inc., 1040 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515. Downing Funeral & Cremation Service (352)684-5334

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New Haven Register from Oct. 11 to Oct. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

October 15, 2010

Charlotte - We were saddened to hear of Mel's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Mel is no doubt in a far better place.
Sincerely,

Jack & Helen Schneble

Ron McReavy

October 14, 2010

Charlotte and Tim, Sheila and I send our condolences to you both. Mel was a friend, a great-creative teacher, a good financial advisor and a less than par golfer.

The guys in CHS Retired Faculty Luncheon will pause for a moment of silence and reflectn this coming Tuesday. He ment a lot to our group.

God Bless

Lisa Turecek

October 14, 2010

Dear Charlotte and Timmy,

We will all miss Merrill tremendously. He was a positive influence not only in my life but so many. I treasure the memories I have of family gatherings and personal conversations with him. I admire him for the example he showed in the love he gave to his parents, my Great Uncle Norris and Great Aunt Dorcas. I know, from experience, that a man who is devoted to his parents is equally devoted to his wife and family. Time and time again I observed and saw instances of help and comfort he gave to his family. I do believe the heavens are blessed today with a spirit of a giver. I, also, know so many of our loved ones are embracing and welcoming him to his new home. My love and heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you both at this time.

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."
-- Mother Teresa
Cousin Lisa in CT

October 12, 2010

Dear Charlotte and Tim:

Mel has been my friend for a long time. We knew each other as kids and he will be
sorely missed.

Mel was a great friend and teacher. He always seemed to say the right thing whenever we were discussing teaching, golfing or sports.

His passing will leave a void that will be almost impossible to fill. He was many things in life as a husband, father, teacher, financial advisor,
Branford historian and a friend of many.

Please accept Fran and my condolences
for your loss. He will be remembered for being a great individual.

May you rest in peace Mel and God Bless.

Love, Mike and Fran Bontatibus

Ralph Zingarella

October 12, 2010

I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of Mel. He was a wonderful man and a terrific friend who I enjoyed teaching with. May God bless him
Ralph Zingarella

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