BELMONT ---- Paul Frank Blake, 78, of Potter Road, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones.
Paul was born January 3, 1948, in Laconia, NH, the son of Frank L. Blake and Jacqueline (Maheux) Blake. His family lived in Meredith and he attended Interlakes schools, where he especially enjoyed history and track. As a young man, he became active with both New Hampton and Wicwas Granges, holding various offices. One of his first jobs was at the Belknap Mill, following a tradition begun by his great-grandfather J. P. Morin.
A true car enthusiast, Paul had a lifelong passion for antique autos. From a teen rebuilding cars with his brothers and cousins, to attending many car shows through the years, he enjoyed every chrome detail and every engine’s roar. The 50’s/60’s were his favorite era for both cars and music. Paul loved sharing his many interests with family and friends: watching old movies, visiting the ocean, and discussing his various “collections.”
Visitors to Paul’s home were always welcomed by a fresh pot of coffee. Around the kitchen table, conversations and laughter abounded, and every cup was accompanied by a memorable story. His gift for making everyone feel at home created countless cherished memories for those fortunate enough to know him.
Paul strongly valued donating to charities which spoke to him, including St. Jude and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Make-a-Wish, and several Veterans’ causes, to name a few.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Debra (Stendor) Blake; sons Paul and his wife Debbie, Christopher and his wife Jennifer, and Eric Blake; daughter Angela Hanson and her husband Michael; brothers James L. Blake and David D. Blake and wife Sue; and his first wife Janis (Smith) McNamara. Grandchildren include Zachary Blake (wife Katie) Nicholas Blake (wife Hayley), Jackie Hanson, Maria Hanson, Sawyer Blake, Lucas Johnson, Gabe Johnson, Scott Holgate, Josh Holgate, and great-grandchild Penelope Blake. He also leaves behind lifelong friends Christopher Dodge and Steven Taber, close friends and in-laws Steve and Barb Webber, and many other in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his parents and his sister-in-law Ramona (Pickering) Blake.
Paul especially wanted to thank his second family at Water Street Cafe in Laconia, where he always felt at home and “never met a stranger”. His visits there were a highlight of his day for many years.
A special thank you to the Lakes Region VNA for kindness, care, and generosity during his final months.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m., at the Wicwas Grange, 150 Meredith Center Rd, Meredith, NH.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to any charity of choice, or to honor Paul’s memory by sharing a cup of coffee and a good story, taking in the beauty of the ocean, or attending a local car show.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.