Robert O. Blake

Robert O. Blake, 91, lifelong resident of Milford, beloved husband of nearly 70 years to Marilyn Blake, entered into eternal rest on June 11, 2021. Born on March 28, 1930 in Milford, he was the son of the late Thomas and Margaret Blake. 

Bob graduated from Milford High School in 1948 and went on to earn his B.S. from CCSU. He later received a M.S. degree from SCSU and a 6th year degree from the University of Bridgeport.

Bob worked for 37 years for the Milford Board of Education.  He began his career as a classroom teacher at Seabreeze and Woodmont Schools followed by a teaching/vice-principal assignment at Devon Grammar School where he soon was promoted to principal.  He then became principal at Live Oaks School.  Bob eventually became assistant superintendent, associate superintendent and ultimately superintendent of Milford Public Schools.  In addition, he taught a class on leadership at the University of Bridgeport.

Bob was also deeply involved in his community volunteering his time and service to many organizations.  Some of them include the following:  Executive Director of Drug Free Milford, Golden Hill Health Care Center, Chairman of the United Way Residential Campaign and United Way Budget Review Committee, Chairman of Senior Citizen Center Addition Building Committee, volunteer teacher for St. Marys’ confirmation and RCIA programs as well as serving as eucharistic minister, member of the Milford High School scholarship committee,  American Heart Association, volunteer at the old Beth El Center, served as Master of Ceremonies for St Patrick’s Day Parade, president and member of Catholic Family Services, and he donated over time a total of 15 gallons of blood.

Bob was honored by the American Cancer Society as one of the 25 most influential people in New England in the fight against tobacco. He also received a lifetime service award from the Devon and Walnut Beach Old Timer’s Association. In 2009, Bob received Milford’s Living Treasure Award. 

Over the years Bob enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, socializing with friends, playing cards with his poker group, but most of all he enjoyed his family.  He was devoted to his wife, Marilyn who he met in high school. They raised 5 children together.  That is Bob’s legacy.  Family was everything to him. He treasured any opportunity to get together, and especially enjoyed the family’s annual, multigenerational family vacations to the Cape. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Chhabra and his staff for providing excellent care and support over the years.  In addition, they would like to thank Michael and Justyn, two home health care aides, for the attention and care they provided.  

Along with his loving wife, Bob leaves behind his children, Robert (Eileen) Blake, Jr., Thomas (Bobbi) Blake, Leslie (Butch) Hyatt, Christopher (Caroline) Blake, and Elizabeth (Rick) Polzello; grandchildren, Casey, Robert III, Haley (Rachel), Kevin, Brian, Sydney (Brian), Wade, Abigail, Emily, Owen, Sarah, and Joseph; great grandchildren, Jordan and Gavin; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, Margaret Ruane, Thomas Blake, Carol Lakin, and Frederick Bemis.

Family and friends may gather on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish) 70 Gulf St., Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary School, 72 Gulf St., Milford.

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