HARBORSIDE, BIG RUN, Pa., and WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – William Ferris Blake, 86, died June 13, 2009, in Boca Raton, Fla. Bill was born Dec. 18, 1922, in front of the fireplace of the family homestead in Harborside, the son of Hilda Corrine Kennedy of Cherryfield and Hobart Sanborn Blake. He was part of the ninth generation of Blake’s on Cape Rosier. Bill graduated from Mount Lebanon High School, Pennsylvania, in 1939 and Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. During World War II he was an aviator in the U.S. Navy. He continued to serve our country in the Naval Reserves, retiring with the rank of lieutenant commander in 1982. Bill married Patricia Catherine Jack, Oct. 28, 1950. He was a member and trustee of West Brooksville Congregational Church. He was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, John, Cynthia and Nancy. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children, William Ferris Blake Jr. and wife, Lois, Barbara Kay Elkin and husband, Harold, Elizabeth Ann Hotchkiss and husband, William, and Martha Jo Rupert and husband, Randy; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held 2 p.m. Aug. 15 at West Brooksville Congregational Church, 1597 Coastal Road, Brooksville, with the Rev. Allen Myers officiating. The family will welcome friends 1 p.m. until the time of service in the church vestry, with the celebration of life in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to West Brooksville Congregational Church, P.O. Box 295, Brooksville, ME 04617 or Hancock County Home Care & Hospice, P.O. Box 156, Blue Hill, ME 04614. A private inurnment with military honors will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Cape Rosier, after the church service.
WILLIAM FERRIS BLAKE
