Howard Blake

Hank Blake, 92, of Greensburg died on December 8, 2012 at his home. He was full of life, stories, and love for his family and friends. A native of DuBois, Hank graduated from Lock Haven State Teachers College with a B.S. in Physical Education. In1948, he received his M.A. in Physical Education and Guidance from Northwestern University.



As a student, Hank founded the wrestling program at Lock Haven and served as the team's coach. Hank later coached wrestling at Columbia University, the University of Chicago, Shady Side Academy, and Greensburg Salem High School. His contributions to student athletics earned him membership in the Lock Haven Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame, and Westmoreland County Hall of Fame. Hank joined the Navy in 1942. He served as a P.T. boat captain in the Philippines and Borneo where his boat picked up the Japanese surrender party for Southeast Asia prior to the treaty signing.



In 1954, with Dick Kepple and Larry Goodman, he broke ground for the Cloverleaf Golf Course in Delmont. Later, Hank's sons became his partners; they continue to operate the business. Hank was a hands-on partner at the course until the age of 86.



An active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hank's faith and dedication touched many lives in his years as an elder, Sunday School teacher, and lay preacher. Hank was an avid fly fisherman and talented woodworker. Some of his artistry can be seen in Westminster, the Unity Chapel in Latrobe, and churches in Sudan.



He was predeceased by Betty Kepple Blake, his wife of fifty years, and a granddaughter, Melissa C. Blake.



Hank is survived by his loving wife, Nikki Y. Blake, daughter Patricia Purnell (Vaughn) of New Bern, NC, Nancy Davis (Sterling) of Richmond, VA; sons, Michael T. Blake (Patty), William H Blake, and Robert S. Blake (Tina) all of Greensburg, and stepchildren, Amanda Valentine (Clark) of State College, and Joseph Yahner (Deborah) of CA, as well as seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.



Family will receive friends starting at 9:30am on Friday at the Westminster Presbyterian Church until the time of the service's which will begin at 11am with Rev. Donna Havrisko officiating.



In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1120 Harvey Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601 or Heartland Hospice, 3520 Route 130, Building 3, Irwin, PA 15642.



KEPPLE-GRAFT Funeral Home of Greensburg entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences and information, please visit www.kepplegraft.com or www.remembranceprocess.com

---