Blake Kasch, a lifelong resident of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at home.
The son of Fred and Carrie Rake Kasch, he was born Aug. 12, 1933, in Goshen.
Blake proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
After his honorable discharge he went to work for the A&P Tea Company for 45 years. In 1996, he retired; he had spent his last 16 years in the Allendale, N.J., store; prior to that he worked in the Chester, Haverstraw and Monroe locations.
Upon Blake’s retirement you would often see him and his sister Lily around town delivering Meals on Wheels and helping those less fortunate.
Blake was a huge supporter to the Monroe Free Library. He would take out 10 to 20 books weekly, as he loved reading. These past two years, Lynn Pace from the library was an amazing friend and helped get him his books.
Blake is survived by his son Todd, wife Kim and their daughter Madison, who was truly Blake’s everything. He was beyond proud of the beautiful young lady she turned in to, with the sweetest soul. She would deliver him breakfasts when she was home from college and he lived for those moments when she would walk through the front door.
There were two young men - Dylan and Tyler Barone - who Blake treated as his grandsons. He enjoyed watching them grow alongside Madison from the day they were all born.
He adored Brooke and Emily Sarnecky and is forever grateful for the Barone and Sarnecky families for always making him feel a part of their family.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank three very special women in his life: Michelle Nikoforov, Pam Merimsky and Ann O’Rourke who he loved dearly as they were a part of his extended family. We cannot forget Blake’s rescue cat, Lucky, who survives him.
Blake’s loving wife, Nancy of 58 years, predeceased him in 2019. They married on Feb. 18, 1961. There wasn’t a day that went by since her passing, that he didn’t speak of her and wish she were here.
He was also predeceased by his parents, his sister Lily Kasch, brother Fred Kasch, and a granddaughter Alexus Kasch. As well as his best friends and neighbors in life, Peg and Frank Griffin from Monroe.
Graveside services for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 8, at 11:30 a.m., in Seamanville Cemetery in Monroe, officiated by the Rev. Ross Topliff.
Blake’s family also would like to thank his caregiver and dear friend Suzie Kiley for all the loving care and laughs she gave to him. He loved her and all their trips around town and to all his appointments. They shared a very special bond. She truly has a special place in our lives forever.
Donations can be made to Monroe Food Pantry, 142 Stage Road, Monroe, NY 10950 or Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845 782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com).