THOMAS WILLIAM BLAKE 80 of Bellaire, Ohio died Tuesday November 4, 2008 at the Country Club Retirement Campus IV in Bellaire, Ohio.
He was born July 2, 1928 in Marshall County, West Virginia a son of the late Florence “Biddy” and Thomas Blake.
Tom was retired from Navistar and was a member of the St. John Catholic Church in Bellaire. He attended St. John’s grade school and high school in Bellaire and was a life long supporter of the Church, Schools and Athletic Depts. Tom was a star quarterback for St. John High School and was awarded the Silver Football Award for All-Eastern Ohio quarterback in 1945. Tom served in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Italy and France. He returned to work as a boiler maker for the B & O Railroad and worked for the International Harvester until he retired.
Tom married Patricia Patsy Curran on May 14, 1949. Tom and Patsy built their own home in West Bellaire and lived there for forty years. Tom and Patsy dearly loved and spoiled their eighteen nieces and nephews and their greats. They were devout Catholics and wonderful role models.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Ann Kleinedler.
Surviving are his wife, Patricia “Patsy” Curran Blake, his sister, Mary Catherine McPherson and her family, brother-in-law, Ed Kleinedler and nephew, Ed Kleinedler, sister-in-law, Jean Curran and her family and the Zimmer nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank our Angels in Bellaire, who lovingly cared for Tom and Patsy; Denise Moran and Mary Jo Plute and family and the entire staff at the Country Club Retirement Campus where Tom and Patsy resided.
Family and friends will be received at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory 441 37th Street Bellaire on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Funeral liturgy with Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 am at the St. John Catholic Church Bellaire with Msgr. Gene W. Mullett, the Celebrant. Interment in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Bellaire, Ohio.
Vigil services will be held on Friday evening.
Belmont County Council of the American Legion will conduct Full Military services on Saturday at 9 am at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John School or St. John Catholic Church 415 37th Street Bellaire, Ohio 43906.
Share your thoughts and memories with Tom’s family at altmeyer.com.
Dear Tommy, You and Patsy were always kind, generous and funny. You are appreciated and much loved by many for your good and blessed life. Love and Peace must follow you now and in life beyond our earthy presence.
Your niece, Caroline Seabright
I have many great memories of summer “Curran Reunions” with our Great Uncle Tommy and Great Aunt Patsy. Uncle Tommy was a sweet man and had a big heart, which he shared with all of us. Although I was saddened to hear this news, I feel very lucky to have known and been touched by such a wonderful person. Love, Christy, Jayson, and Claire Carter
I was a sophmore when Tom was our senior quarterback. It was awesome to see him throw a 65 yard pass. I have very pleasant memories of “Towhead Tommy” and his wife Sally. RHIP
Our Uncle Tommy always had the most upbeat, optimistic outlook regardless of what he might be facing. This optimism was contagious and Tommy was always such a joy to be around–laughter was part of his vocabulary! We love him dearly and will forever cherish the time we had together. Schlante’ assail, Tom!
Our Uncle Tommy had a quiet strength and a fun & loving spirit. Childhood summers were filled with late nights playing cards, trips to Ogelbay, & 4th of July fireworks in the back yard. After Mike and I married, Tommy & Patsy welcomed him to the family with open arms, taught him to play Housey, and kidded us mercilessly about being Cowboy fans instead of Steeler fans! We will miss him so very much!
Our Uncle Tommy will be forever in our hearts. He was a Warm and Loving Man, and although there are many counsins, he always had a way of making each one of us feel special. Our Thoughts and prayers are with Tommy and Patsy. We are very blessed That We had Uncle Tommy in our lives.
Betty Curran Powell & Paul Powell
Pat and family,
Sorry to hear about this sad news. Tom was a good man who I will always remember. He taught me how to fix his lawn mower and the weed eaters after I broke them. We used to sit on his back porch and he told me stories about his life. He was one of the good guys and will be missed.
Jared
Patsy and Tommy hosted the Curran girls during many summers. One of the best parts of those wisits was staying up late to ride with Patsy and their old dog Tuffy to pick up Tommy at work. Tommy made his home ours many times. He was one cool dude who will be missed.
Patsy, please excuse my error in stating your name. I still remember when you worked there at the A&P. We all felt the two of you were the perfect couple.
Though words cannot express the thoughts our heart would like to say, may you know that others care and sympathize with you today.May it comfort you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers at this time.
Love and Prayers
Joanna Barrett Maxson
We have many happy memories of the times we spent with Tommy and Patsy. He was a great man, devoted husband, and wonderful example of how to lead a Catholic life. As a Godfather, he was always there when we needed his wisdom. Although we are filled with sorrow, we also know that Tommy now rests wtih our Lord and will continue to watch over us from his place in heaven.
The Sturgill Family