George J. Blake

 George J. Blake, 78, of Londonderry, NH, died in his daughter’s home on December 14, 2024, surrounded by his family.

 Born in Boston, MA on March 30, 1946, he was the son of Luella Blake. He spent his early years in Laconia, NH but then moved to Manchester, NH where he lived for most of his life.

 Prior to retirement, George was proud to have worked at Pandora Industries starting as a yarn boy and working all the way up the management ladder to become third in charge of the entire enterprise. After the business closed, he worked in the technology industry before taking a maintenance position with Hackett Hill Health Care Center.

 He had devoted much of his time and treasure to support the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was the Past Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment. His family knew him as “the Grand Poobah.”

 George was a captivating storyteller with a witty sense of humor. He was a history buff, rattling off dates and events with accuracy and ease. He was especially proud of his family’s long history working on the B & M Railroad. He also enjoyed playing pool, dancing, playing golf, hunting and ice fishing in his earlier years. 

 He was predeceased by his wife Nancy (Shurtleff) and an infant daughter, Susan, from his first marriage to Margaret (Rae). 

 George is survived by two daughters, Joanne Blake of Londonderry and Dianne Blake of Manchester; as well as one son, John Blake and wife Carol Ann of Washington State. Other family members include his grandchildren, McKenna Blake, Aaron Silvey and wife Leah, Kristen MacKenzie and husband Kris, Jacob Scribner, Brianna Blake, and Charlotte Blake. George’s siblings include two sisters, Shirley Langlois and husband Ray, Lori Courcy and husband Ernie; and one brother, Daniel Guay and wife Tina. He was predeceased by two brothers, John S. Blake and Kevin Guay. He also has three great-grand children, three nieces, and several cousins.

 A graveside committal service will be on Friday, December 20th at 11 am in Pine Grove Cemetery, Manchester, NH. A celebration of George’s Life will follow immediately at the Odd Fellow’s Lodge, Mountain Road, in Goffstown.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at Happy Holidays From MDA!