William V. Blake, 97
DOVER - William V. Blake passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
William was born on January 14, 1924 in West New York, Hudson County, New Jersey to the late Bessie and Leo Blake.
He graduated Weehawken High School in Weehawken, New Jersey in 1942. He married Ann Babula on September 29, 1951 in St. Ann's Polish R.C. Church in Jersey City, N.J. Before joining the United States Army, William worked as a tool and die maker/machinist. During World War II William courageously served as a Corporal, Tank Driver in the Second Armored Division from April 14, 1944 to June 11, 1945. He led his comrades of the Second Armored Division through the battle of Normandy and helped to liberate Carentan, A "lock" between Utah and Omaha Beach. He received two of the United States highest military honors, the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his efforts and Operation Cobra and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded The Medal of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor, the P.O.W. Medal, World War II Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a Silver Battle Star and Good Conduct Medal. William attended the factory school for motorcycle mechanics class of 1948 at Harley Davidson Motor Co. Milwaukee, Wis. He was a member of the Hudson County Motorcycle Club. After being honorably discharged, William became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)and was a former Commander of Post 3117, in Edison, N.J. He was a member of the American Legion, a former Commander of Purple Heart Organization, Civil Air Patrol in New Jersey; and he was a Mason and Vice president of the Edison Square Club. William was employed by the Board of Education of Edison Township, N.J. as the head custodian and maintenance department.
William enjoyed RC airplanes, and was a member of the Kent County Aeronautics Club. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. In addition to all his accomplishments, William was a dedicated and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved family gatherings especially birthday parties.
In addition to his parents; William was preceded in death by his wife, Ann 'Babula' Blake, who passed in 2018.
William is survived by sons, Roger Blake of Edison, N.J. and Thomas Blake of Dover; daughter, Elaine Monforte of Dover; sister, June Keenan of Teaneck, N.J.; and grandchildren, Christina (Stephen) Lisinski and Thomas (Anisa) Monforte, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Elliot, Maeve, and Sophia. He will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
An evening visitation will be held on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd. (Rt. 10) Dover. A mass will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State St., Dover. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com