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Jason Blank Obituary
79, passed away Friday November 16, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Myra (Stein) Blank; they were happily married for 54 years. He was born in Dorchester, MA, the son of the late Eli and Sadie (Skup) Blank.
He graduated from Harvard University and Boston University. He was a sociology professor at RI College for over 50 years and was the president of the RIC AFT Union. He was a Shriner and a Mason. He was a member of Temple Beth Am Beth David.
He is survived by his sons David Blank-Edelman and his spouse Cindy and Steven Edelman-Blank and his spouse Deborah; sister Charlotte Katz; and grandchildren Elijah Blank-Edelman and Chloe Edelman-Blank; as well as many friends. He was the brother of the late Leatrice Chafetz and Frances Friedman.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 18th at 9:00 AM at Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, 458 Hope St, Providence with burial in Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice. For information and condolences, www.sugarmansinai.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jason Blank
Sponsored by Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Megan
May 27, 2019
Jason and Myra were long time customers of mine at Kings Garden in Cranston. They were my favorite people to see walk in those doors. Jason was witty, intelligent and loved to tell stories. There would be many times I would sit and catch up with them. My condolences to Myra. Jason's love for her overflowed.
Katy
December 12, 2018
What a sad loss for the entire RIC community. He was the funniest, most laid back, sincere, caring professors I had there. What a huge heart and sweet, kind soul. Gone but never forgotten. He made a huge impression on me that will stay with me for life.
Denise Morgan
December 8, 2018
He was my most favorite professor
You are loved and will be missed
You were like a father to me
Mark Freedman
November 28, 2018
My sympathies to Myra and family on Jason's passing. I had been away at the time and didn't find out until this evening. I first met Jason in Redwood Lodge when he started his Masonic journey. As the saying goes Enquiring minds want to know, and that was how he got started.
He was also my wife's professor at RIC and made sure she earned her grades (no favors for a brother mason when it came to education).
His sharp wit and kind heart will be greatly missed.
November 27, 2018
Best wishes to Myra and Jason's family. I always enjoyed my times with Jason as a co-worker in the seventies. He was an inspiration for so many students not the least because he had a genuine interest in their well-being and was an easy talker with them. He gave a lot of himself and I admired him for that and thank him for the compelling interest in sociology that he created in others.. May he rest in peace.
Andy De Long
November 21, 2018
The the family of Jason Blank... It has been a long, long time since I've seen Jason... I was an eager student many, many moons ago and he captured my attention in all of the classes I was fortunate enough to have him. My mom, Mrs. Nellie Williams, a former employee of RIC serving as the dean's assistant, also loved Jason. I pass along the fond remembrances of Dr. Blank and hope that his memories will be with you all forever. Joanne Williams
Keith Nabb
November 20, 2018
Dr. Blank! I had him for Sociology at RIC in 1995. Such a great guy. I remember him asking students, "Just bring me a black coffee and I'm fine." On some days, he'd get 4 of them in class! Great guy! Rest his soul.
November 20, 2018
My condolences to the family. May the happy memories that you lived together help you carry on.
Diana M
November 20, 2018
My deepest and sincerest condolences to Jason's family. He was my independent study professor for Sociology while I was at RIC. He was so willing to help me out and take the time out of his busy day to meet with me to help me graduate from RIC on time. He had a smile and laugh that lit up every classroom he was in. Students loved him and his charismatic way of teaching us not only about his passion but life as well. He will be missed - sending prayers to all of his loved ones.
November 19, 2018
I did not know Jason well but he may be the only person whose presence alone made me feel like the world was a good place. He always had that magnificent energy. Many years back, I broke my wrist. I was teaching a summer course at the time and as I walked down the hall with my arm in a sling, Jason came bursting out of his office (he always seemed to burst out!) and said to me "Why do things like this always happen to the best people?" And I felt great, despite everything--and never missed a class.
Jason was truly one of the "best people." I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to all of his loved ones.
Helena Goncalves
November 19, 2018
My condolences to Myra and his family. I will miss our rides and the great stories he shared with me. May you rest in peace Jason.
Sheila K
November 19, 2018
My condolences to Dr. Blank's family. I enjoyed having him for a professor at RIC. I remember him being very funny telling stories in my marriage and family class. He was a professor I never forgot. Sending prayers to your family.
Debby Cabral martin
November 19, 2018
Myra david and Steven I am so sorry to hear of Jason's passing. he was a wonderful man I will remember him always. he greeted me at my interview with Mary ann hawkes with a kiss on my hand as I was beginning my career at Rhode Island College. I have many fond memories of him too many to share. RIP Jason
Rhamurta Ojuri
November 19, 2018
Heartbreaking to hear this and upsetting that I found out today. You have brought knowledge to every student you came accross. Wisdom to every student you taught. Lots of full bellies of pizzas to class after your meetings. I switch my major to sociology because of you. I remember coming to your office just because to say hello and walking pass your class and waving. Oh and your coffee lol can't forget about your coffee. I'm going to miss you and your lessons, your pinky ring, your sharp dressing and the way you talked about your wife and family. My number one Jewish man... loving you endlessly.
-Tobi
November 18, 2018
To the Blank family, I was shocked to hear of Professor Blank's death as I just saw him last week at the Shaws market. He was my teacher for several classes at RIC. He helped me with a personal problem as a student and I will never forget him. May he rest in peace. Cynthia Harmaian Conroy
James Mendes
November 17, 2018
My name is James Mendes and i worked w Mr.Blank, and was his Advocate @ Brentwood Rehab center,and Hopkins Nursing home ....I would like to say it was a great pleasure working w Mr.Blank,and would like to take this time to send my condolences to Mr. Blanks family...
Stephanie Demirjian
November 17, 2018
To the Blank Family,
I was lucky enough to get to know Jason through his weekly sandwich orders at D'Angelos when I was younger.
Doc Blank would always take time to talk to me after he found out I was a Governor Francis neighbor. We would have long conversations about anything and everything. He always encouraged me to do more with my life, which is why I went for my interview with my current employer... I'm still there 13 years later.
He would always kiss my cheek when he would leave the store and say "bye sunshine see you soon".
I am so sorry and send my deepest condolences to the Blank family. Jason was an incredible, inspiring man that I was lucky to know.
I thank Jason for always believing in me even though I didn't. May he rest in paradise.
Jane Korb
November 17, 2018
To the Blank Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Although my time with Jason was short, he truly touched my heart.
Sincerely,
Jane
November 17, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
Jim D'Ambra
November 17, 2018
To Dr. Jason Blank's sons and family, I was most saddened to read about his passing in today's PJ. I was a student at RIC many years ago, and was privileged to have had Dr. Blank as my teacher for Sociology 201, among his early years at RIC. I shared many conversations with him later as I went on to be elected to the state senate in RI when he was AFT Faculty President at RIC for many years.
As a teacher, he was an inspiring lecturer, with a sense of humor second to none, I saw him a few years ago and we had time to catch on what was new in our lives, and I remember he was a lucky guy for many reasons during his lifetime. He will be missed deeply by his many friends, and I am sure by you his family.
On Tuesday, November 20, I have scheduled a taping of my cable TV show, Straight Talk, with the current RIC AFT Chapter President Dr. Quenby Hughes, and I will close that show In Memory of Dr. Jason Blank, Professor of Sociology at RIC.
May he rest in Peace!
Jim D'Ambra
friend, and former student
Walter Blanchard
November 17, 2018
My deepest condolences to Jason's family. He was a close colleague, and I remember many good times that we had.
Walter Blanchard
Adrianne Cady
November 17, 2018
I am so sorry to read Prof. Blank's passing. I had him at RIC for a sociology class and have never forgotten him. I chose social work as my profession and have thought of him often in the past 50 years since my graduation. His personality made even the driest subjects interesting. I have not forgotten his sense of humor--which was legendary on campus. He frequently shared his wisdom and some of those "pearls" I have carried with me all these decades.....I will share one privately with Myra one day. He must have been a fabulous parent--how fortunate his sons are to have had him in their lives. May his memory be a blessing.
November 17, 2018
To Myra and family:
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Jason. He was a great person and a true gentleman in every sense. May you have comfort and good memories during this difficult time.
Everett Levenson
November 17, 2018
I am sorry for the loss of your love one. May Prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22
Ellen Gourse
November 17, 2018
Myra and family,
I am sorry to hear of Jason's passing. I always remember the fun we had bowling many years ago. He was a very kind and warm person and always friendly when I saw him any place including Temple Am David. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ellen Gourse
Elaine Papa
November 17, 2018
Dear Myra and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jason.
He was a wonderful person.
In deepest sympathy
Elaine Papa
November 17, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May your treasured memories and the drawing close to God in prayer help comfort you in your time of sorrow. Jer 29:12,13
Pamela DelPadre
November 17, 2018
To Myra and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you in this time of deep sorrow. I had the great privilege of having Professor Blank as a Sociology teacher at RIC and he was an amazing teacher ; one of the best, and truly one of a kind. May his memory be eternal. He was one of the best. In Peace,
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