Dale Winsor Blake, 74, died in the comfort of his home in Hartford, CT on Tuesday, March 13. Born on August 22, 1937, in Williamstown, MA, Dale was the son of Preston Hinds and Gertrude Loud Blake. He grew up in Andover, MA, graduated from Phillips Academy in 1955 and Tufts University in 1959 where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa. After graduation he joined Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, where he later became involved in fuel cell work for the Apollo Program. Through the rest of his career, he was a design engineer for commercial fuel cells, becoming Senior Design Engineer for the 200Kw PC-18 power plant. He retired from United Technologies in 1999 after 40 years of service.
He leaves his wife of 45 years, Eleanor (Wehrly) Blake; a daughter, Rebecca Blake Couret and her husband William Couret IV, a grandson, Cameron Blake Casso, and his grand dog Barley, all of New Orleans, LA and granddaughter Jesse Couret of Jackson, MS. Other surviving relations include Dale’s brother-in-law, James Wehrly of Sunset Beach, CA, a niece, Megan Wehrly Crawford and her husband, Jack Crawford, of Seattle, WA. Dale was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Joseph Blake.
Dale was strongly committed to equal educational opportunities for everyone and while living in Glastonbury was Treasurer of the local chapter of A Better Chance and Equity in Education. After moving to Hartford in 1998, he became involved in the activities of the West End Civic Association (WECA).
He enjoyed gardening, was an avid reader, and lover of good food and single malt scotch. He was a quiet man, and will be missed by all who knew him and remembered for his dry New England wit, his kindness, and his devotion to his family.
Appreciation is given to all of the healthcare givers who gave him their best, especially his nurse, Eliza Rivera.
A memorial service honoring Dale’s life will take place at 11:30 am on Friday, March 23 at The Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, 949 Main Street, South Glastonbury
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WECA, c/o David Klein, Treasurer, 75 Girard Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 or The Hospital for Special Care, 2150 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06053.
Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc., www.ahernfuneralhome.com.
