John Blake

John Edward “Jack” Blake, 81, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at his winter residence in Islamorada, Florida. With the help of Vitas Hospice, Jack was able to enjoy one last beautiful sunset, have a few sips of a mojito and ultimately pass away in his sleep in comfort and peace at his happy place, with his loving family at his side.  Born August 9, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, Jack was the son of the late Edward A. and Laura (Schlichter) Blake, and was also raised by his beloved stepmother, the former Margaret "Peg" Moore, when his father remarried after the death of his mother in 1942. He was raised in Chicago, Illinois, and was a 1951 graduate of Saint Leo's High School, attended the University of Illinois until he delayed his education to serve his county in the service of the U.S. Army. He served honorably until his discharge and returned to Chicago to continue his education. Jack earned his L.L.B. from DePaul University in 1959, and began his career in corporate real estate at U.S. Gypsum in Chicago. During the early years of his career in Chicago, Jack met his beloved wife, the former Joan P. Kautz.  They were married on August 28, 1965, enjoyed 49 years of marriage and became the proud parents of three children.  After Jack's career took the family to several locations throughout the country from Detroit, Michigan to the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, they moved to Glen Rock, New Jersey, as Jack was promoted to Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Properties for the Hertz Corporation. He truly enjoyed his career with Hertz, where he managed the corporation's extensive real estate holdings throughout the United States and Europe until his retirement in 1996. Prior to his retirement, he was a member of the National Association of Corporate Realtors for several years and served as President of the organization from 1993 to 1995. Jack also sat on the board of Catholic Charities of New Jersey for several years.

He is survived by his wife Joan Blake, daughter Kathryn Blake of Loudonville, New York, son John  Edward Blake, Jr. and his wife Lisa Blake of Boonton, New Jersey, and daughter Amy Blake Bertles and her husband William M. Bertles, III, of Alexandria, Virginia.  He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Camryn, Courtney and Blake Iftiger, Matthew and Patrick Blake, and Lily and Billy Bertles, whom he adored. He loved spoiling his grandchildren with excursions on his boat, trips to local theme parks and nice dinners. He is also survived by his nieces Mimi Lensces and Bonnie Blake, and his nephew Edward Blake.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass in celebration of Jack's life on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 751 Main Ave., Bay Head, New Jersey.