Vincent Blake

Vincent Blake, age 88, passed peacefully into eternal rest on April 18, 2026.

He will be missed by his loving family, led by his beloved wife Kathleen (Kate Mulligan), his son Stephen, his daughters Allison and Diane (Mitchell), her husband Lloyd, and granddaughters Samantha and Madeline Mitchell. Together, they were the joys of his life. He is now reunited in Heaven with his son, Jimmy, who passed away at the age of five. 

Vinnie was predeceased by his brother Jimmy, his sister Jessie, and his parents James and Jessie, and his brother-in-law James Mulligan (Beverle). He will be fondly remembered and missed by his brothers-in-law, John Perring-Mulligan and his wife Peggy, and Bernard Mulligan, as well as his extended family and friends. 

Music was a guiding force throughout his life. He was an accomplished bagpiper and a founding member of the Tri-County Pipe Band and performed with several other groups across New Jersey. He took immense pride in marching up 5th Avenue with his band for decades in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade. When he wasn’t playing, he could often be found listening to the timeless voices of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Music remained a constant throughout his life, and many remember him dancing the night away with his wife, nieces, and granddaughters in their backyard and family room. 

Vinnie also had a lifelong love of the beach. Whether it was the familiar shores of Rockaway, the family traditions built on Long Beach Island, or the warmth and beauty of Marco Island he found peace and happiness by the water. Those places became the backdrop for many cherished memories with family and friends. Whether at home, down the shore, or on Marco, Vinnie was known for his legendary Sunday morning breakfasts. It was a time when family and friends often gathered for a hearty breakfast, filled the house with warmth, laughter, and love, and created wonderful memories. 

Vinnie was a proud product of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. He carried many happy memories of his roots in the tight-knit ‘Village’ that raised him. He often returned to Chelsea through the years to connect with old friends and revisit the sights of his youth. He loved sports, starting with being a ball boy for the New York Knickerbockers, playing softball in New York City leagues, and, in later years, hitting several home runs during annual Wiffle ball games at his retirement community.

After graduating from Commercial High School, Vinnie answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army at 18 as an infantryman during the Korean War. He remained a proud veteran throughout his life. In later years, he attended Ramapo College, furthering his education while building his career and supporting his family.

Vinnie dedicated over 50 years of hard work to the New York Shipping Association and the docks of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Newark. He was a proud and loyal member of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the Teamsters. 

Vinnie will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, April 26, 2026 1:00pm until 4:00pm held at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home located 235 Main St. N. in Southbury. A mass of Christian burial will take place Monday, April 27, 2026 at 10:00am held at Sacred Heart Church located 910 Main St S. in Southbury. Burial will immediately follow services at Gate of Heaven Cemetery located 10 W. Stevens Ave Hawthorne, NY. 

To leave an online condolence please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.