Richard “Mike” Joseph Blake
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend
Born in Royal Oak, Michigan
Passed away on July 13, 2025 – Age 84
✝️ Funeral Mass
Saturday, August 16, 2025
9:00 a.m.
St. Michael Catholic Community
40501 Hayes Road
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Interment to follow at
White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, Michigan
Obituary
Richard “Mike” Joseph Blake, a proud Army veteran, devoted family man, and lifelong Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings and Pistons fan, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in Royal Oak and raised in Hazel Park, Michigan, Richard’s life was defined by resilience, generosity, humor, and unwavering love for his family.
After graduating from Hazel Park High School, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably in Europe. He often shared vivid stories about crossing the Atlantic by ship and his time stationed in Germany—memories he held dear throughout his life.
After his military service, Richard began a long and steady career at Ford Motor Company, working on the assembly line for over 30 years until his retirement. Even in retirement, he never slowed down—taking a part-time job at King’s Cleaners and volunteering actively at his beloved parish, St. Michael Catholic Community in Sterling Heights. There, he served faithfully as an usher and a volunteer driver, helping others get to their medical appointments. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, where he loved lending a hand at their charity poker tournaments.
In 1967, Richard met the love of his life, Katherine, a longtime Ferndale school teacher. Their 49-year marriage was filled with love, devotion, and the joyful chaos of raising six children: Steven (deceased), Laura (married to John), Robert, Katherine (married to Louis), Kimberly, and Kelly (married to John). Together, they created a home rooted in faith, warmth, and laughter. Richard remained devoted to Katherine until her passing in 2016, honoring her memory every day that followed.
Richard was the proud grandfather of Kayla, Staci, Stefani, Blake, Zach, Lia, Jeffrey (deceased), Steven, Richard, Brittany (married to Sebastian), and Brandon. He was a cherished great-grandfather to Josie and Teddy. Three of his granddaughters—Kayla, Staci, and Stefani—lived with him, and he became a true father figure to them, attending every recital, graduation, and major milestone. He loved and supported all of his grandchildren deeply, including those who lived farther away in Florida, Colorado, and Iowa, cherishing every visit and phone call. He also shared a lasting bond with his former daughter-in-law, Michelle, who remained an important part of the family.
A diehard sports enthusiast, Richard’s passion for the Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, Pistons, and University of Michigan athletics was legendary. His family took him to countless games over the years—including the World Series and Stanley Cup Finals—and in 2023, he was moved to tears when he visited the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and finally saw the Stanley Cup in person. More recently, his granddaughter Stefani turned him into a devoted WWE fan; together they attended matches, waited in long lines for meet-and-greets, and proudly wore matching fan gear. He even joined her for a University of Michigan football game last fall—a day neither of them would ever forget.
Richard loved to travel. He and Katherine created family memories during annual camping trips and a surprise Mexican cruise gifted by their children. In later years, he enjoyed frequent visits to Florida with Katherine and later with his daughter and son-in-law Louis—taking cruises, visiting beaches, enjoying Tigers spring training games, watching sunsets, and indulging in his favorite: key lime pie.
He also had a deep love for animals. Over the years, Richard shared his life with beloved pets including King, Cutie, Laflin, Denver, Sedona, Hutchy, and his faithful Maltipoo, Snoopy, who remained by his side until the very end.
Richard’s true gift was how he loved people. Whether having breakfast with his church friends or chatting with regulars and staff at his favorite local diner, Richard was a social soul who made everyone feel welcome. His kindness, patience, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Richard’s passing leaves an unfillable void in the lives of his family and friends. But his legacy—of service, love, loyalty, and quiet strength—lives on in every life he touched.
Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife Katherine, his son Steven, grandson Jeffrey, his mother Catherine Fredette, his father Douglas Blake, and his sisters Nancy and Helen “Tootie.” He is survived by his children Laura (John), Robert, Katherine (Louis), Kimberly, and Kelly (John); grandchildren Kayla, Staci, Stefani, Blake, Zach, Lia, Steven, Richard, Brittany (Sebastian), and Brandon; great-grandchildren Josie and Teddy; his former daughter-in-law Michelle; and his loyal dog Snoopy.
He will be remembered always for his service, strength, and above all—his love.
✝️ In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to
St. Michael’s Outreach Programs
or the Knights of Columbus
