Joseph Charles Blakaitis
- Joseph Charles Blakaitis
Published 6:13 pm Saturday, February 1, 2025
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March 7, 1939 – January 27, 2025
Duck, NC – Joseph Charles Blakaitis, 85, of Duck, NC, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. Born on March 7, 1939, in South River, NJ, Joseph lived a life marked by dedication to his family, community, and passions. After marriage, Joe and Sally settled in Randolph, NJ where they raised a loving family before retiring in Duck.
Joseph earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Lafayette College and was a proud member of Theta Xi fraternity, which provided food, housing, and, most notably, a brotherhood he cherished throughout his life. Out of college he went to work for DuPont Photo Film Plant for 7 years and then on to Keuffel & Esser in Hoboken, NJ, which later moved to Morristown, NJ, where he spent 20 years working and traveling all over the world as the Director of Engineering and Manufacturing. He later moved on to a semiconductor company before starting his own business which gave him a freedom he cherished until his retirement.
A notable passion of Joe’s was his love of aviation. He had his first “familiarization” flight in 1968 and then went on to log thousands of hours throughout his life with pilot certificates including commercial, instrument and multi-engine. He also served on an aviation advisory committee in New Jersey, operated a large flying service and charter operation out of Caldwell, NJ and taught adult education classes for student pilots working toward their instrument ratings. Joe was a multi-engine flight instructor and continued to provide flight certifications throughout his retirement.
In 2015, Joe was appointed to the Dare County Airport Authority where he very proudly served the rest of his life. Joe was active in many airport and Authority activities including participation in the 100th year Celebration of First Flight in 2003 and in the recent 80th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Dare County Airport. Joe was chairman of the Authority’s Facilities Committee and the Events Committee. He was most excited about the Events Committee’s plans for an Air Race to be hosted by Dare County Airport in May of this year. Joe also served as Treasurer of the Authority. He enjoyed working at the airport and valued the lasting friendships he made with the other pilots. Through his dedication, passion, and his love of collaborating with others he made a lasting impact on his community.
Joe also contributed greatly to the Town of Duck where he had been a resident since 1999 and served as the chairman of the Town of Duck Planning Board. He has also served on the Land Use Committee and the Pedestrian Committee, and he and Sally were involved with the original incorporation of the Town of Duck. He was very proud of Duck and thoroughly enjoyed his time volunteering at all events and on all boards whenever asked.
In his leisure time, he also found joy in fishing and gardening. He was often sharing tales of his catches with a grin and a story and was always looking for new spots to drop in his boat and catch a “lunker.” When his kids were young he would take his son on yearly fishing trips up to Canada and frequented all the local ponds of northern New Jersey in between. His joy in gardening was in growing tomatoes and had friendly competitions with the neighbors on whose garden yielded the first crop each year.
Joe held his grandchildren very dear and had a special and unique relationship with each one. Always joking with them, making them smile, and spoiling them with treats and trips to Captain Frank’s whenever possible. In addition to the spoiling of his grandchildren, there was not a neighborhood dog that passed him without receiving a few treats and always stopped to look for him on their walks.
Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Antoinette Dato and Joseph Blakaitis. He is survived by his cherished wife, Sally Hergenrother Blakaitis and they share their 59th wedding anniversary this week. He leaves behind his loving daughter, Jonette Gregory, and her husband Rick of Wake Forest, NC; his devoted son, Todd Joseph Blakaitis, and his wife Joelle of Annapolis, MD; and his treasured grandchildren, Ryan Joseph Gregory, Braden Richard Gregory, Aiden Joseph Blakaitis, and Ella Grace Blakaitis. He is also survived by his dear sister, Mary Ann Johannsen, and her husband Hans of Katonah, NY.
A service will be held at Twiford Funeral Homes, in Manteo, NC, at 11 a.m., visitation at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025. Reception to follow at Town of Duck Meeting Hall at 1 p.m. To live stream Joseph’s funeral service, please visit www.TwifordFH.com.
While his presence will be deeply missed, his legacy of kindness, warmth, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.