Richard A. Blake, 78, of Barnegat, NJ passed on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Richard was born in Jersey City on July 9, 1946. He was married to the late Laraine (nee Stupicic) for over fifty yeas. They had one child, Melissa (Marcie) who was always the treasure of their lives.

Richard had a life long history of being a hard worker, polite, kind, and generous with a sense of humor. After being told by his high school advisor that he was not “college material” he went on to earn one bachelor’s degree, two master’s degree and a Ph.D. He became a full professor and department chairperson at Seton Hall University.

 After being told that he would not be a guitar player by his first two teachers, he went on to playing guitar his whole life and had the number one played jazz song for the year 2010 and could play in any venue. He, at times, referred to himself as the “Little Engine That Could” and tried to instill this message into his students as well as as critical thinking.

Dr. Blake, in his later years, enjoyed being with his daughter, his “super significant other” Carole, playing guitar with his partner, Paulie D, and driving his candy apple red Corvette.

He will surely be missed, and the world was a better place with him. He was inspirational. 

Service is private. (www.BarnegatFH.com)