GARDNER - Robert Peter Blake,77, died Monday, November 14, 2022 at Heywood Hospital, Gardner.  

He was born in Gardner on July 28, 1945, a son of the late Fred Blake and Mabel Blake.

Robert grew up in Gardner and graduated from Gardner High School. His yearbook described him as "quiet and well mannered, makes a true friend, a good listener" qualities he carried throughout his life. He was a true gentleman.
During high school, Bob worked for Iandoli Grocery Store before entering the U.S. Army where he served for 3 years during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge he returned to Iandoli's until joining the Gardner Fire Department in 1974. He (aka "the colonel") retired from the Fire Department after 30 years.  Bob was well known around Gardner for his handyman and lawn care business. 

Bob was Past Commander of the Gardner American Legion Post #129 and a member of the Gardner V.F.W. and the PACC.  He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.  He was active in the North County American Legion Baseball team, as well as, active in the Boy Scouts. He loved traveling with friends and family.

He leaves his wife of 25 years, Anne Marie Blake; three sons, Timothy Blake and his wife Jennifer of Acton, CDR Sammie D. Green USN and his wife Elizabeth of Cape Canaveral, FL, Corey B. Green of Minersville, PA; one daughter, Dawn M. Green of Gardner; eight grandchildren, Andrea Travers of Nashua, NH, Justin McPike of Gardner, Ashley M. Green of Warren, RI, Destinie Bailey of Gardner, Libertie Green of Washington D.C., Sky E. Green of Gardner, Maureen Ingabire of Warren, RI  Henry G. Green of Jenks, OK; three great grandchildren, Violet, Dahlia, Zinnia all of Nashua, NH; and many nieces and nephews. Also he leaves his dogs, Amber and Duncan.

Bob was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Blake and by a sister Joan Ann Richard.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 11:30 am in the Mack Family Funeral Home,  105 Central Street, Gardner, Massachusetts. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, November 20, 2022 from  2 - 5 pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations in Robert's memory be made to the Gardner Animal Shelter, 899 W. Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440 or Gardner Firefighters Benefit Association, 70 City Hall Ave., Gardner, MA 01440.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors.