Walter Blake, born October 1, 1931, passed away at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ on April 16, 2023 after a short illness. Walter was born in Jersey City, NJ to Walter and Carrie Blake. He attended Jersey City public schools.

He was pre-deceased by his wife of 63 years, Loretta Blake and both his parents.

Walter is survived by his son Michael, daughter-in-law Donna Karajz, sister Irene Scherzo and late husband Joe, their daughters Joann and husband Nick Luzzi and their daughter Debbie and husband Kevin; Fran and husband George Gough and their children Joey and Danielle; Bill Mooney husband of late daughter Donna and their daughter Michele and husband Jeff Pierce and Michele’s brother Billy ; sister Dorothy Verpent and late husband Donald and their children Donald and wife Diane, Susan, and Linda and her husband Eric Bower; Bill Babcock, husband of late sister Deanna and their children Joe and wife Francine, Billy and Tammy; Bob Walter, husband of late sister Alice and their son David and wife Elaine; and Marie Blake wife of late brother Howard and their children Carrie, Howard Jr and Mark.

Walter was a corporal in the US Army during the Korean War. Walter served in the 820th Engineer Aviation Battalion at Edwards Air Force Base, CA building airstrips for test aircraft including ones flown by flying ace and record-setting test pilot Chuck Yaeger. Walter was also stationed at Beale Air Force Base, CA and Fort Huachuca, AZ.

His career included being a truck driver, forklift operator and warehouse supervisor for several hardware companies.

He enjoyed playing billiards and was quite good at the game, even once playing a game against Willie Mosconi, a champion billiards player. Walter was very handy and mechanically inclined and liked working with his hands.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 22, 2023 at Ocean County Cremation Service in Toms River. Burial service will be private.