Clifford (Cliffy) L. Blake Sr.

On May 28th, 2024, Clifford (Cliffy) L. Blake Sr., passed away at the age of 94 in his bed at The Vineyards Healthcare Center in Livermore, CA after fighting a brief but unexpected and sudden battle with cancer. His passing brings great sorrow to those that knew him best but also a sense of peace to know that he has joined the love of his life, Jeanette L. Blake, who passed only 6 months before him after a long, relentless battle with Dementia. After being “apart” for so long due to her illness, it is comforting to know that they are once again reunited.

Cliffy was born (and raised) in Lowell, MA on March 17th, 1931 to John F. Blake and Ellen E. Blake (Wrisley). He was one of 8 children. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 and served 4 years during the Korean War.

Cliff met the love of his life, Jeanette Card, in 1955. It was a fast moving courtship and the two were married later that year. They went on to raise their own children in Lowell, MA. With the help of Jeanette, Cliff started his own plumbing business, C.L. Blake & Sons and worked hard to provide for his family.

Cliff and Jeanette loved to travel in their RV all over the east coast with their family. They also loved to bowl and traveled to many states for tournaments. Even though Jeanette was technically the better bowler, he didn’t mind supporting her and letting her take the spotlight. He was her biggest cheerleader.

Later in life, Cliff and Jeanette eventually settled in Hudson, NH where they raised the youngest of their children. As her passion was crafting, he went with her to shows and was always her best assistant. He also loved to play cribbage and the two were involved in many leagues throughout the years, including being active members of the American Legion. They were a social, happy couple always shining their light together, whatever they did.

Cliffy will be missed by so many. His quick wit and his ever present charm always made him stand out. He loved to mess around with people in the most playful way and always had an undercover joke waiting in his pocket to pull out (especially with waitresses and any cute girl). He loved Westerns and animal shows, lobster and chowder and going out to dinner with his friends and family was one of his favorite hobbies. There was no problem a good meal couldn’t solve.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Cliffy was preceded in death by six siblings…John F. Blake Jr., Irene L. (Blake) Hill, Howard F. Blake, Raymond H. Blake, Judith F. (Blake) Nickles and Sandra L. (Blake) Dziegiel and his first born daughter, Barbara Hamilton of FL. He leaves behind one sibling, Rita Mae (Blake) Holtzman of Lowell, MA He also leaves behind 4 children – Clifford “Kicker” Blake Jr. and his wife Bernadette of Lowell MA, Charles Blake of Sebago ME, JoAnn Blake of Lowell, MA and Heather Wasson and her husband Philip of Livermore, CA. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.