Francis P. Blake, D.D.S.

Francis P. Blake, D.D.S. died Thursday, December 18, 2008 at the age of 83 after a short illness. Dr. Blake was a well known dentist for over 50 years. His office was on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods. Dr. Blake was a graduate of Assumption High School in Windsor; Wayne State University, where he played football for several years; and a 1949 graduate of the University of Detroit Dental School. Shortly after he began his practice, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, leaving his wife Sally and his first three children behind as he served during the Korean War. He was a dental officer, achieving the rank of lieutenant and was stationed in Japan for over a year during his service. Dr. Blake was very involved in professional organizations including being past president of Omicron Kappa Epsilon, an honorary dental fraternity; a Fellow in the American College of Dentists; a past president of The Vetter Society; a member of the Detroit District Dental Society; the Michigan Dental Association, the American Dental Association and the International Academy of Gnathology. He touched many people's lives as a professor of dentistry at the U of D Dental School. Dr. Blake was a former member of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and was a member and past commodore of the Clinton River Boat Club. He enjoyed boating, tennis and travel. He was an avid scratch model ship builder. Dr. Blake was the beloved husband of the late Sally, who died in 2003 after 58 years of marriage. He is the dear father of Peter (Louise), Joan Plonka (Francis), Stephen (Rene), Carolyn Potthoff, Julie Bridget Rodgers (James) and the late Sally Margaret Bever. He is survived by 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; his son-in-law Keith M. Bever (Cathy); a brother, James (Geraldine) and sister-in-law, Anne Blake. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation will be from 1-9 pm Sunday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave. at Vernier Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm Sunday. Dr. Blake will lie instate at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford, Grosse Pointe Woods from 9:30 am Monday until mass at 10:00 am with the Rev. Fr. Gary Smetanka officiating. Full military honors will follow the funeral service at Church. After cremation, his remains will be inurned at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. Memorials to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236