The Rev. William Bernard Blake

The Rev. William Bernard Blake, pastor emeritus of Queen of Angels Parish, Jessup, died on Nov. 29, 2018, at St. Mary's Villa, Elmhurst. He was a resident of St. Joseph's Villa, Dunmore, Pa.

The Rev. Blake, son of the late Vincent William Blake and Margaret Mary (Cawley) Blake, was born in Archbald on Jan. 1, 1937. He received his early education at St. Thomas Aquinas School and Archbald Public High School. He continued his education at the University of Scranton and attended Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., where he completed his studies for the priesthood. Father was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1963, in the Cathedral of St. Peter, Scranton, Pa., by the Most Rev. Jerome D. Hannan, D.D., late bishop of Scranton.

Father also earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Scranton in 1971 and a Master of Arts degree from Marywood University in 1984.

Father Blake served as assistant pastor pro tem at St. Juliana, Rock Lake, 1963. He serve as assistant pastor at St. Patrick's, Wilkes-Barre, 1963-1967; Immaculate Conception, Scranton, 1967-1970; Holy Family, Scranton, 1970-1971; Our Lady of Snows, Clarks Summit, 1971-1974; Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Hawley, 1974-1976; and St. John the Evangelist, Wilkes-Barre, 1976-1978.

Father Blake received his first pastorate at St. Aloysius, Ralston, in 1978. In 1981, he was appointed pastor at Resurrection, Muncy. Father's next appointment was pastor at St. Mary Help of Christians, Pittston, in June of 1982, where he served until May 1986, when he was appointed pastor at St. Mary Assumption, Pittston. In 1989, Father was appointed pastor at St. Gabriel, Hazleton, and, in June 1991, he was appointed administrator at St. Mary, Lattimer Mines. In 1992, Father was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lake Silkworth, and, in July 1993, St. Martha, Fairmount Springs, was added to his pastorate. In 1995, Father Blake was appointed pastor at St. Michael-St. James-St. Stanislaus Kostka, Jessup, and, in 2007, St. Mary's Assumption, Jessup, was added to his pastorate. In 2010, these parishes consolidated into Queen of Angels Parish. In July 2011, Father Blake retired and was named pastor emeritus.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Father Blake served as catechist, Bishop Hoban High School, Wilkes-Barre, from 1976-1978; chaplain, Lycoming County Prison, in 1979; director of Pre Cana, Williamsport, 1979-1980; chaplain, Knights of Columbus, Council 372, Pittston, in 1985; dean of Hazleton, in 1992; and dean of Olyphant, 1998 to 2000.

Father Blake is survived by his brother, Gerald, of Archbald, Pa.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Father was also preceded in death by brothers, Eugene and wife, Dorthea; John (Jack) and wife, Theresa; James and wife, Lottie; Donald and wife, Peggy; sister-in-law, Carolyn; and an infant sister, Margaret.

Viewing will take place Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Queen of Angels Parish, 322 First Ave., Jessup, Pa. The family will also receive guests from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral. A vesper service will be celebrated at 7 p.m. following the viewing at Queen of Angels Parish, Jessup, Pa.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., bishop of Scranton, on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Queen of Angels Parish, Jessup. Interment will be in St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery, Archbald.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Villa St. Joseph, home for retired priests, 1600 Green Ridge St., Dunmore, PA 18509.

For online condolences, visit www.margottafuneralhomes.com.