Arthur Paul Blake Jr, age 80, of Wapwallopen passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Birchwood Rehab and Healthcare Center, Nanticoke.
Born in Kingston on August 29, 1945, he was a son of the late Arthur P and Regina (Boyer) Blake Sr. He was educated at Fairview Schools and part of the first graduating class of Crestwood High School. Prior to graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a reservist. Upon graduation, he transferred to active duty and served until 1966, after which he returned to reserve duty until 1980.
He continued his education at Kings College where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. Paul was a machinist by trade, working in the tool & die industry. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol through which he taught classes as well as being a CPR instructor. He was part of the rescue team at Eagle Rock where they knew him as “Paul” and Montage Mountain where they called him “Artie”.
He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Hobbie, where he was a former Bible Study teacher. He was a volunteer EMT and fire fighter for both Hobbie and Slocum Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Companies. He was an assistant Boy Scout Leader when his sons were younger. He loved to go skiing, bike riding, hiking and travelling.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Ruth A. (Jones) Blake, with whom he would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on March 23rd; cherished grandchildren, Daniel, Rebecca, Nicholas, Alexis and Allison; and adored great grandchildren, Luna, Lilly, Elaine, Keith, Daniel, Abigail, Oliver, Harper, John, Raelyn and Leigha. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as many co-workers, his volunteer fire and ambulance family, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Keith Blake in 2002, Daniel Blake in 2003; sisters, Ellen and Mary; and a brother, David.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St James Lutheran Church, 827 E County Rd, (Hobbie) Wapwallopen, with his pastor, Reverend Oliver Brown officiating. Interment will follow in St James cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5-8 PM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 E Third St, Nescopeck.
Online messages of comfort for his family may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com