Daniel P. Blake Sr.

Deerfield, NH - Daniel P. Blake Sr., 81, died peacefully on February 16, 2018 surrounded by his family at his daughter’s home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Like most military, law enforcement people, he fought until the end.

Dan was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Joseph Blake and Hanora Blake (Maguire). No matter where he traveled in the military or for work, he was proud to be "just a guy from Brooklyn". After graduating from St. Francis College, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Corps from 1957-1961. In 1962,

Dan became a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working in the New York, Chicago, Knoxville and Boston offices. He transferred to the Washington, D.C. National Bomb Data Center in 1981 as a Supervisory Special Agent, and also spent time teaching at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. He retired in 1988 from the Boston office. Dan was a very proud member of the FBI-USMC Association, Society of Former Special Agents FBI and International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators. Following his retirement, he worked as a security administrator and consultant for Stone and Webster in Boston, MA. In 1992, Dan won a two year term seat in the NH House of Representatives, serving the town of Londonderry.

Dan married the late Joan M. Blake in 1968 and together had three children. The family lived in Rye, N.Y, Wappingers Falls, N.Y., Springfield, VA and eventually to Londonderry, Strafford, and Deerfield, NH.

He was an avid sports enthusiast. Dan missed his Brooklyn Dodgers since childhood, and did enjoy watching the New York Giants and Notre Dame football. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joan Blake (Hartnett) in 2011; his sister, Regina Guastaferro and his brother, Kevin Blake.

He is survived by his daughter, Betsy (Blake) Riley and her husband Chris; his son, Dan Jr., and his wife Nora; and his son Brian. He leaves his 6 beloved grandchildren, Liam, Grace, Kathryn, Patrick, Andrew and Aidan. He also leaves two brothers, Joseph and Robert; five sisters, Sister Mary Philothea, Sister Miriam Blake, Patricia Cregg, Eileen D'Amico and Barbara Rath, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and in-laws.

His family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Cunniff and Sandy at Elliot Internal Medicine in Londonderry for their many years of wonderful care of Dan; Dr. Su Metcalf and Dr. Brian Knab and staff at the Elliot Regional Care Center, and the staff at Dana Farber Londonderry for their dedication and care of Dan these past months. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Amy, Dr. Westbrook, Duane and the hospice staff at the Concord VNA for helping make his time at home comfortable. His family is truly grateful.

Memorial donations may be made in Dan’s name to: The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, Suite 1007, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10020; or to the Elliot Regional Cancer Center, 1 Elliot Way, Manchester, NH 03103 (donate.elliothospital.org).

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 8pm at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main St., Concord, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10AM at Christ the King Parish, 72 S. Main St. Concord. A committal service will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH on Friday, Feb. 23 at 12:30PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.BennettFuneral.com for the Blake family.