John E. Blake

Dr. John E. Blake, 90, of Windham, husband of Ruth (Tracy) Blake, died Friday evening Dec. 16, 2006 at St. Joseph Living Center, Windham. He was born Dec. 21, 1914 in St. Albans, VT. the son of the late Dr. Frank E. Blake and Anna (Smith) Blake. Dr. Blake graduated from East Hartford Public Schools. In 1935, he graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in veterinary medicine. He practiced over a period of 60 years in eastern Connecticut. He was former chairman of the Windham County Rationing Board prior to entering the U.S. Army in 1943. He served for four years as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. From 1958 to 1972, he was a member of the Connecticut General Assembly, where he chaired the Banking, Public Utilities and Agriculture committees. He was Windham Democratic Town Chairman for six years and was a trustee of the Mansfield State Training School and Hospital. He was also a past president of the Greater Willimantic Veterans Council and State Commander of the AMVETS. Dr. Blake was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church, the Elks, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Connecticut Veterinary Association and Willimantic Country Club. He was a former president of the Kiwanis Club. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter and son in law, Gail and James Watson of Mendham, N.J., and 2 grandchildren, Elizabeth Blake Watson and her husband Anand Swaminathan of Hoboken, N.J. and James Blake Watson of New York City. He was predeceased by 2 sisters, Virginia Schwarm and Margaret Ludeman. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Monday between 6:00 and 8:00pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 12:00pm at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic, with assembly directly at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. His family appreciates the love and care he received at St. Joseph Living Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Living Center, 14 Club Rd., Windham, Ct. 06280. For online memorials, please visit www.potterfh.com .