Obituaries

William “Billy” H. Blake Jr. of Braintree, Superintendent of Fire Alarm Quincy, Retired, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at home, surrounded by his beloved wife and loving family, after fighting a courageous battle with Cancer, at the age 75.
Billy was born in Quincy to the late William H. “Herbie” Blake Sr. and Florence (Hayden) Blake where he was raised in Quincy and was a graduate of Quincy High School, class of 1961. He was also a graduate of Coyne Electrical School in Newton. Billy lived in Braintree for 48 years.
Billy was a member of The Long Service Club and worked at General Dynamics at the Fore River Shipyard before being appointed in 1971 to the Quincy Fire Alarm Department where he worked for 35 years, and retired as the Superintendent of the Fire Alarm Division. After his retirement in 2005, he joined Fire Alarm Service Company, Inc. of Walpole, where he served as Vice President for his last 3 years.
An active member of the The Parish of St. Clare’s Choir, Billy thoroughly enjoyed singing with his wife. He had a passion for cars and a great interest in woodworking, while continuously giving his time and talents to anyone in need.
Married in 1966, he was the beloved husband of 51 years, to his high school sweetheart and best friend, Kathleen A. “Kelly” Blake. He was dedicated to his family especially his wife, children and grandchildren, supporting all their activities and accomplishments.
Devoted father of Kathleen A. Gruning and her husband Kevin of Pembroke, Karen Blake Mosman and her husband Steven “Tim” of No. Woodstock, NH and Brian P. Blake and his fiance Selena Jefferson of Pembroke; caring grandfather of Brendan W. Gruning, Caitlin B. Gruning, Blake W. Mosman, Taylor K. Blake and Skyler K. Blake; Oldest of four siblings, Billy was the brother of John Blake of Duxbury, Robert Blake of Quincy, Eleanor “Jeanne” Fitzpatrick of Quincy; and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours which will be held on Sunday, August 27 from 4:00 to 8:00PM at the Dennis Sweeney Funeral Home 74 Elm St. Quincy Center. On Monday there will be a gathering at the funeral home at 9:00AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM at The Parish of St. Clare Church 1244 Liberty St, Braintree. Burial will follow at Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree,
Donations in Billy’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St, Framingham, MA 01701. www.cancer.org