David Ralph Blank, computer technician
David Ralph Blank, 82, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at his residence with his loving wife by his side. He was born Sept. 3, 1931 in Sydney, Australia, son of the late Arthur C. and Almeda L. (Love) Blank.
He grew up in Akron, Ohio from a young age, attending St. Sebastian’s School. As a young man he was active in his church and loved dancing in his local Catholic Youth Organization. David served in the Army during the Korean War, and later continued to serve his country as a communications technician in the CIA, where overseas he met and married his wife Jarrad.
David retired from the CIA in 1964 to raise his children in the United States and pursue his love of animals. For many years he was a stable breeder and trainer of pedigree dogs and horses in southern Florida. When the family relocated to the St. Louis, Mo. area in the late 70s David returned to the communications field as a computer technician for Control Data Institute and later as an instructor. David fought declining health so retired early, but remained active attending classes at SDALL in Lewes, showing great talent at pottery. He also donated his time volunteering for First State Community Action and Habitat for Humanity.
David is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Jarrad D. (Denhard) Blank; his son, David A. Blank and his wife Mieke of Ferguson, Mo.; his three daughters: Cary Heath and her husband Doug of Buckeye, Ariz., Johanna Bishop and her husband Bill of Columbia, Mo. and Jessica Blank of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his brother John Blank and his wife Carol of Elkton, Md.; his seven grandchildren: Micaela Blank of Houston, Texas, Jarrad Gibler and his wife Dawn Goggin-Gibler of Houston, Jason Gibler of Texas, Alexandra Parks Smith and her husband Harrison of Columbia, Harper Bishop of Columbia, Truth Venson of Chicago, Ill. and George Voutsanesis of Brooklyn; his six great-grandchildren: Samuel, Jonas, Sean, Joshua, Kayden, and Liam; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Blank’s name may be made to Habitat for Humanity 107 Depot St. Georgetown, DE 19947.
