Richard E. Blake
1942-2024
Woodstock – Colonel (ret.) Richard E. Blake, 81, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, February 4, 2024. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Earl and Rose (Lamiotte) Blake. He was the loving husband of Mary-Ellyn (Smith) Blake for thirty-three years.
A man who valued public service, Richard served his community as a Connecticut State Trooper and his country in the Connecticut Army National Guard. It is with great pride that he is remembered by so many not only as a great commander but also as a trusted friend and confidant. A man who led with wit, loyalty and congeniality. With these skills he was recently awarded the prestigious Bronze Order of the Fleury Medal from the Army Engineer Association.
Richard was an active member of the CT State Police Alumni Association, National Guard Association, a Communicant of St. Mary’s Church, The Putnam Lodge of Elks, The Foresters, and a 57-year member of the Connecticut Freemasons Putnam Lodge #46. Not only will he be missed and remembered in those communities, he will also be remembered as the Putnam High School President, Class of 1961. It was there he held the title of QVC State Champion in shot put for many years. An accomplishment he was very proud of.
Richard loved the outdoors. Whether he was on his tractor, in the woods in Woodstock with his family, or at Lake George, NY where he worked for several years and made many friends. His heart was with nature. His smile was biggest and brightest when he was outside and wherever he went, his beloved dog Hogan never left his side.
In addition to wife Mary-Ellyn, Richard is survived by children, Roberta Bedard (companion Matthew) of Myrtle Beach, Michael Blake (Patricia) of Pottsville, PA, Steven Blake (Clare), of Cheshire, and Catherine Blake, of Quinebaug. He leaves his sister, Rosalie Blake of Pomfret, brother-in-law Peter Smith and his wife Ellen, a nephew Brian Smith, and a niece Elizabeth Elles; all of Killington, VT. His grandchildren Kristin, Timothy Jr, Samuel Bedard, Benjamin and James Blake, Sara MacDonald, and Susan Blake. Great grandchildren, Lucas Belske and Callum MacDonald. He was predeceased by brothers, Donald and Robert Blake.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Richard’s family from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT, 06260. A gathering will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence Street, Putnam, CT. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Village Cemetery, 45 Marsh Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109.
The family asks that donations in Richard’s name be made to The Danielson Veterans Coffee House, PO Box 3 Danielson, CT 06239
For memorial guestbook, visit www.gilmanandvalade.com