Jeffrey Joseph Blake

August 23, 1963-July 23, 2024

Jeffrey Joseph Blake, 60, Altoona, son of the late Roger and Dorothy (Rodkey) Blake was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor and friend. Jeff was unexpectedly called to God on Tuesday. His father Roger Blake was one of founding members of the Logan Township Supervisors. From a young age, Jeff accompanied his father to the police station and Civil Defense drills, developing a passion for emergency services and radio communications. By the age of 14, Jeff had already made a significant impact as a CPR instructor for the Red Cross, later being honored by President Ronald Reagan with the Young American Medal for Service for his outstanding and unusual recognition for character and service by establishing a disaster response team, and setting up a communication system and performing other significant services for the American Red Cross Chapter in Blair County.

During Jeff's life he wore many hats. He graduated from the Altoona Area Vo-Tech LPN program. He volunteered for the American Red Cross, was fireman and first-responder at Juniata Gap and then became a member of the Grandview Fire department. A long-time fireman, who was instrumental in unifying, Grandview, Kittanning Trail and Juniata Gap, which is now known as Logan Township United Fire Dept., where he was a long term and current president. He was a paramedic for AMED, and he was an instructor and board member for SAEMS, dispatcher for Logan base and later joining the newly formed county 911 center and an athletic trainer at Altoona Area High School. Jeff was actively involved in many community organizations volunteering his time to help as many people as he possibly could. He was a founding and lifetime member of the Logan Township United Fire Department, Blue Knob Repeater Club, and astute member of the Juniata Gap Board, assistant chief in Juniata Gap QRS, founding member of the Keystone Search and Rescue as well as Logan Townships, Emergency Management Coordinator.

Despite his numerous achievements Jeff’s greatest success in life was in 1987 when he married the love of his life Christina Kinney. From their love they had two children; a son, Adam of Johnstown and daughter Megan Watt (Phillip) of Aurora, OH.

Their first born, Adam, born in 1989, followed in his father’s footsteps, earning emergency medical certifications. Jeff was immensely proud to share his knowledge and experiences with Adam. One of the greatest joys in his life was watching his son become a father to Grayson Blake. Jeff took Grayson to every haircut and saw him off to the bus every first day of school. Jeff’s work ethic, tenacity and grit can be proudly seen in how his son, Adam, is raising his beloved grandson Grayson.

Jeff and Chrissy’s daughter, Megan, born in 1993, was the light of Jeff’s life. His pride in her accomplishments and his loving support will be remembered as some of his most treasured moments. Jeff and Megan loved to laugh, but one of the ways they loved to communicate was through music. Megan found her voice because of her dad and their love of singing in the car, living room and around the campfire on nights with just the family. Megan gave birth to Jeff’s two youngest grandsons: Wesley and Oliver. Jeff loved taking them to use his ham radio on Sundays and taking the boys for boat rides.

In Jeff's strife to be the best husband, father and provider he and his wife Chrissy built the greatest part of his legacy, spending many years in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, boating with his immediate and lake family. Throughout their life they traveled the world as two best friends striving to have the best experience and memories together. Working many jobs, late hours, long days, and no sleep, with the unwavering support of his beautiful and loving wife Chrissy, Jeff received his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in 1998. His amazing gift for gab led him to the field of pharmaceutical sales where Jeff quickly found the perfect place to focus his talents. With hard work he rose to one of the nation’s top sales representatives year after year and was a five-time Presidents Club winner and Hall of famer for Teva Pharmaceuticals, where over the years he created many lasting relationships with his once colleagues, now friends.

Jeff’s love for his family was boundless. He and Chrissy created a home full of joy and affection. Their love was a testament to their commitment to one another, leaving no "I love you" unsaid, no kiss unplanted, and no message unsent. He took every sunset boat cruise with his wife and made the most of every moment.

Jeffrey Joseph Blake's life was a model of selfless service, unwavering dedication, and deep familial love. He leaves behind his beloved wife Chrissy; his children Adam and Megan; grandchildren: Grayson, Wesley and Oliver; his son-in-law, Phillip; mother-in-law and father-in-law Barbara “Gringle” and Olav Johansen; brother, Dennis of Texas and his beautiful niece, Marsha Turchetta (Greg); numerous brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and countless friends and colleagues who were touched by his generous spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Dorothy (Rodkey) Blake and his brother “Iron” Mike Blake.

His legacy of service, love, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Friends will be received from 3-8 PM on Monday, July 29, 2024 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602. A funeral service outside of Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 806 11th St., Altoona, PA 16602 by the Franciscan Fathers. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to his brothers and sisters at Logan Township United Fire Department at 611 Grandview Rd. Altoona Pa, 16601.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or on Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.