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SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. – John Wilson Blake, 81, of Sleepy Hollow, died Wednesday, March 25.
He was born Sept. 11, 1933, in New York City, to the late Arthur H. and Marion Sawyer Blake.
At age 13, Blake was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes. He soon attended and later became a counselor at Camp Joslin, for diabetic boys.
His education included a doctorate from the University of North Carolina, and a bachelor’s degree in quantitative biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Blake spent 40 years in a science career, with his roles ranging from being what he called a “clam doctor” (aquatic biologist and malacologist) to ensuring ecologically responsible electrical power as the director of environmental affairs for the New York State Power Authority.
His civic activities include serving on the Hudson River Foundation, local school boards and land trusts, town conservation commissions and library committees.
He also took leadership positions with local Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops.
Survivors include four daughters, Cindy (Glenn) Zearfoss, Judy (Bill) Thaller, Robyn (John) Weingart, and Marci (Bill) Dancy; two sons, Rick Blake (Lisa Porter) and David (Susan) Blake; one sister, Sue Toomey; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
His wife, Virginia “Ginny” Ferry Blake, preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, 30 Ennis Road, P.O. Box 356, North Oxford, MA 01537-0356, or the Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.
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