William E. Blake

William E. Blake, 90, of Auburn, died September 11, 2024 at CMC, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 10, 1934, he was the son of the late Ernest W. and Thelma D. (Randall) Blake. He was a graduate of Central High School. He was a part time police officer for the town of Auburn, and spent many years as a patrol man with Manchester Waterworks. He later moved in to the position of carpenter and handyman, retiring after 30+years, in 1997. 

William was a Master Carpenter who enjoyed woodworking and building. He had a passion for rebuilding classic cars and hot rods; and was a gifted musician, singing and playing guitar. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. You could also find him hanging out at Sandy’s Variety, at the Auburn traffic circle. William was a very proud, strong willed and humorous man. Above all else, he will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

William was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Arlene C. (Sell) Blake in 2022.

Surviving family members include one son, Robert W. Blake of Weare; son, Richard W. Blake (predeceased) and his wife, Susan M. Blake, of Auburn; two grandchildren, Richard W. Blake and wife Kelly of Bow and Tiffany E. Ranfos and husband Eric of Allenstown; and four great grandchildren, Morgan A. Ranfos of Barrington, Hailey E. Ranfos of Allenstown, William L. Blake of Bow and Alyssa M. Blake of Bow.  He was also predeceased by one sister, Evelyn Thompson.

SERVICES: Calling hours are from 4pm to 6pm on Monday at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North St., Manchester, NH 03104. A Memorial Service will take place at 11am on Tuesday in the funeral home. Burial to follow in Auburn Village Cemetery, Auburn, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Glioblastoma Research & Development, 263 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115-4506.