Byron E. Blake, 84, Was Veteran of World War II

Byron E. Blake, 84, of Edgartown died Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Mary (Anderson) Blake, who died in December 1998.

Mr. Blake served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II, and upon separation in 1945 he joined the Massachusetts State Police. He retired from the Middleboro barracks as a lieutenant after 20 years of service. He was also retired from the Raytheon Corporation, where he was employed in the security division for many years.

Mr. Blake retired to Edgartown in the early 1980s and until recently spent winters in Florida.

He is survived by a son, Jack Blake of Edgartown; three daughters, Karen Slodden of Cohasset, Susan Norton of Oak Bluffs and Barbara Brosnahan of Mashpee, and a sister, Barbara Condlin of Edgartown. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews and four grandchildren.

His brothers, Warren and John Blake, predeceased him.

A memorial mass will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth Church, Edgartown at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14. Donations may be made in his memory to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.