Bernard A. Blakesley Sr.

Bernard A. Blakesley Sr. of Florence, MA passed away peacefully at Linda Manor surrounded by family and friends on May 1, 2025 at the age of 88.  He was born on St. Patrick’s Day 1937 in Northampton, son of the late Olin and Cora May (Vacchelli) Blakesley.

Bernard attended public schools in Northampton and Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School until he enlisted in the US Army from 1955-1958 with service in Korea.  He was employed by Noble Manufacturing and Kollmorgen for many years.  He was a machinist and carpenter with many skills and made extensive renovations with his wife Gail to his childhood home built by his parents.

He had a lifelong love of racing and NASCAR.  At the age of 60 he bought a Sprint Car and raced at Whip City Speedway in Westfield for several years. “This old dog can run!”  He traveled to Florida in 2001 for the Richard Petty Driving Experience with a fast lap speed of 123.91 mph.  He enjoyed watching Wrestling and always played Country music on the radio when he was out in the garage working on engines and lawnmowers of all kinds.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 1/2 years, Gail (Dearing) Blakesley, son William Blakesley of Holyoke and daughter Julie (Blakesley) Poudrier of Hatfield.  Julie’s husband Kurt and granddaughters Ella and Lily.  Daughter Darlene Blakesley of Holyoke.  Grandchildren Christina Nash Cartagena, Michael Nash, Shawn Martin, Megan Martin and Kelly Martin.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.    

He was predeceased by his brother Richard Blakesley, sister Arlene Pelc, sister Florence Baird, daughter Brenda Martin and son Bernard A. Blakesley Jr.

A private burial will be held at the Westhampton Center Cemetery.   The family has re-scheduled   A memorial gathering at the Florence Civic Center, 90 Park St., Florence on May 24, 2025  to June 28 from 1-3pm.

Mitchell Funeral Home in Easthampton has been entrusted with Bernard’s arrangements.  Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice https://giving.vnaandhospice.org/ and Highland Valley Elder Services https://highlandvalley.org/ 

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