Irving: Earl D. Blakely, 88, of Irving, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk. He was born in Buffalo on May 18, 1936, the son of the late Earl and Ruth (Behrns) Blakely.
Earl worked for the New York State Thruway Authority in Silver Creek for 35 years and retired as a Heavy Equipment Operator, he also owned & operated a grape farm in Irving. Earl was a member of Welch’s Grape Co-op for 65 years and was a member of Hanover Hose Co, #1 for over 45 years. He loved to be outdoors, watching deer, squirrels and other animals. Earl also enjoyed doing puzzles.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years Irene (Frederickson) Blakely of Irving, two daughters Laura (Roy) Hilliker, of Irving, Diane Perina, of Forestville, and a brother Donald Blakely. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Louie (Audrey) DePasquale, Lynn (Jason) Mathews, Jonathan (Neta) Weaver, Leah Weaver, Abby (Neil) Bogosian, Christopher (Missy) Perina, Jessica (Robert) Fox, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday from 4-8 PM from where Funeral Services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock, with Rev. Michael Pollock, pastor of Gage Chapel Community Church, Smith Mills, officiating. Interment will follow in Balltown Cemetery. A Fireman’s service will be conducted by members of Hanover Hose Co. #1 Wednesday at 7:30pm in the funeral home. Due to health reasons, the family requests masks be worn during attendance for visitation and the service.
The family suggests memorials may be made either to Hanover Hose Co. #1 % Steve Peters, 11919 Hanover Road,, Silver Creek, NY 14136, or to the Balltown Cemetery Association, % James Frederickson, 11269 Allegany Road, Forestville, NY 14062.
To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.