Joseph Patrick Blake, passed away quietly and peacefully at home. He was born June 29, 1953, to Bernadette Patricia Blake in Spanish Harlem in Manhattan, New York.
Joe was a United States Air Force veteran serving as a medic 1971-1975. He returned to New York after the war to begin working as a stage actor and singer. He eventually met the love of his life, Celia Barrett Blake, a southern girl from Mississippi, over a cup of coffee in Soho. They moved to Jackson in 1998 to be closer to Celia’s parents; Roger and Claire Barrett and into the large Barrett family here in Jackson. They celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary on June 10, 2023.
As a member of The Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson for 25 years Joe was an active member in their Knights of Columbus Council 848 and 4th Degree Assembly 554. Joe served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator for several terms, during which time on behalf the council, Joe accepted multiple awards including the Star Council Award and Best Large Council awards. Joe was responsible for originating his assembly 554’s inaugural KofC Wreaths Across America in Mississippi in 2021. He also started the local practice of placing flags on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day and was originator of Bingo for VA Hospital inpatients in Jackson as well as originating the 4th degree Presenting of the Colors during the national anthem at Mississippi Braves games during KofC Family Night. He was instrumental in council 848’s underwriting of the St. Peter’s Keys to the Kingdom-stained glass window restoration in 2014, which was part of the Cathedral’s complete restoration. He produced a raffle raising $8,000 to provide building materials for St. Ann Catholic church on the coast after Katrina. Joe also spearheaded his assembly’s participation with other 4thdegree assemblies to provide meals to young soldiers shipping out to Afghanistan and Iraq in 2005.
Joe was Executive Director of the Mississippi Chapter of AIA (American Institute of Architects) for 10+ years. During this time, Joe received two Presidential Citations, the AIA MS Friend of Architecture award and championed, conceived and produced the national award winning Mississippi Celebrates Architecture program in 2010 with the help of several members.
Joe was an avid Yankees baseball fan to the end. He was always a true Irish New Yorker. He could go into an Irish lilt and sing so sweetly it would break your heart. He loved Our Lord and loved his church.
He is survived by his beloved wife Celia and loving brothers Russell Mistretta, nephew T.J. and niece Emily; brother Mark (Rosa) Mistretta and nephew Mark Jr.; brother Gene Mistretta as well as brothers-in-law Tom(Janet)Barrett and nephew Brian Barrett; Pat (Gelinda) Barrett, nephew Patrick (Kate) and great nephew Jake; niece Aprille (Chris) Cook and great nephews Jackson & Sam; Gene (Linda) Barrett, nephews Austin (Allison) and great niece Anna and great nephew Taylor; nephew David (Annie Laurie) and great niece Grace and great nephew Charles; Michael (Dianne) Barrett, nephew Joseph and niece Miranda.
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