Obituary of John "Jay" Blanke

John Blanke, Jr., lovingly known as "Jay" to his friends and family, passed away on May 29th, 2023, in Melbourne, FL, at the age of 84. Born in New Jersey to John and Dorothy Blanke, Jay lived a remarkable life filled with adventure, service, and passion.

Jay began his career in the military, serving in the Army and stationed in Japan until his honorable discharge. His dedication to service extended beyond the armed forces, as he was subsequently recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and later joined the State Department. As a skilled communications officer, Jay's work in the foreign service took him to various countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and Central America, where his unwavering commitment to his duties earned him the respect of colleagues and peers.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jay had a deep passion for Ham Radio, a hobby that allowed him to connect with people worldwide.  Additionally, Jay had a keen interest in nutrition, recognizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and always striving to educate himself and others.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Blanke, as well as his son David. He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory. Jay is survived by his children Mark and Susan, his daughters-in-law Ginny and Anne, his son-in-law Richard Kay, and his grandchildren Ethan, Austin, Eric, Reese, Henry, Gwendolyn, and Madeline.

A celebration of Jay's life  will be held on Friday, June 16th, 2023 at Pizza and Pasta, 930 South Main Street Manville, NJ 08835 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 pm.  Please join the family in a casual remembrance of Jay’s life.