Edward J. Blake Jr.

Edward J. Blake, Jr., 75, of Som- erset, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Eileen (Pilling) Blake, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. E dward was born in Fall River and was the son of the late Edward J. and M. Loretta (Long) Blake. Edward was employed with the special needs department at BMC Durfee High School for many years until his retirement and was always committed to working with underprivileged and troubled youth. He took great joy in collecting donations for local food pantries and was a voracious reader of news and current events. Edward was also a proud member of the Fall River Elks Lodge No. 118, an avid lover of dogs, and enjoyed vacationing with his family in the White Mountains. He will be remembered as a man of great faith who cherished the time he spent with his family. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his sons, Christopher Blake and his wife Christine of Taunton, Jonathan Blake of Westport, and Michael Blake of Fitchburg; daughters, Kathleen McCann and her husband Brian of Rehoboth, and Pamela Hinves and her husband John of Somerset; as well as nine grandchildren, Daniel and Brendan Blake, Fiona, Eliza and Jack McCann, Ali and Sarah Blake and Matthew and Katie Hinves. Ed was an advocate for the underdog and believed there were far more than second chances. Throughout his life he quietly helped countless people achieve their fullest potential. Grace, dignity and respect are what everyone deserved, and if he could assist with that he did. Ed was larger than life in many ways, and leaves all he loved with wonderful memories that will make for stories for years to come. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10a.m. in St. Louis de France Church, 56 Buffington St., Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will follow in Nathan Slade Cemetery, Somerset. Calling Hours will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 4-8p.m. in the Hathaway Community Home for Funerals, 900 Buffinton St., Somerset. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Louis de France Church 56 Buffington St., Swansea, MA 02777 To sign the guestbook or for directions, visit www.hathwayfunerals.com.