Robert K. Blake 1939-2024

Bob was born March 24, 1939, in Moundsville, W.Va., the son of Kenneth Clyde Blake and Rosella Juanita South Blake.

After graduating from North Lima High School, Bob worked at Isaly’s at Mill Creek Golf Course and then worked for 35 years as a machinist and estimator at United Engineering in Youngstown. After retiring, he worked another 10 years for Production Experts in Independence.

Bob was a humble man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed nature and loved spending time outside. He took immense pride in his flower and vegetable gardens and would sit on his back deck taking in all of God’s beauty. Because he had a great mathematical mind, he was always creating, inventing and devising a plan for improvements. Bob coached Little League baseball, was a member of several bowling leagues, square danced, enjoyed watching all sports — whether it be watching his grandchildren’s games or the Pittsburgh Steelers — and always had a joke to tell. There were wonderful memories made with his family and friends at the Canfield Fair. If you know the Blakes, you know the exact gathering spot to find them every year.

His legacy of kindness, mentorship and humor will continue to live in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

He married the love of his life, Katherine Doris Marion, on June 14, 1958. Together they created a life dedicated to God, family and service to others. Besides his wife, he leaves behind his son, Michael (Andre Person) Blake; daughters, Tami (Rich McMurray) DiAntonio, Suzette (Chris) Lucente and Heather Blake Bucy; his grandchildren, Dominic (Jennifer Ridgeway) DiAntonio, Angela (Mark) Sudol, Dante, Vincent, Sophia, Gianna and Gabrielle Lucente; and great-grandchildren, Dylan (Angela) and Mia (Dominic) DiAntonio. He leaves behind many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews, and his past and present church family at Woodworth Church of the Brethren, where he and his family faithfully have attended for 62 years. Bob was the church board chairperson, a deacon, Sunday school teacher, youth advisor, co-founded the Christian Fellowship Volleyball League, volunteered with Brethren Disaster Service, served on the Education for Urban Ministries and volunteered wherever needed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter, Katherine Elizabeth; his brother, James (Eileen Work); his father and mother-in-law, Floyd and Lillian Marion; and sisters-in-law, Lou (Frank) Moran, Norma (Dick) Calvin and Joan (Al) Griffith.

The family will welcome friends and family 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at Woodworth Church of the Brethren, 30 E. Western Reserve Road, Poland. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m., with Pastor John Polanski and Pastor Steve Simmons officiating.

The family is grateful for the love and care that St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital and Hospice of the Valley gave to Bob and his family.

Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Woodworth Church of the Brethren or Hospice of the Valley.

Please visit www.oakmeadowcremation.com to send condolences to the family.

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