Joseph Way Blankley, Jr.

Joseph Way Blankley, Jr., 98, of Cambridge passed away on Monday, May 9, 2016 at his home. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 18, 1917 to the late Joseph W. and Lorella W. Steelman Blankley.

Mr. Blankley graduated from Olney High School Class of 1936 and later attended Drexel University in Philadelphia. Joseph worked as an electrical engineer for ESB/Exide Battery for 45 years until his retirement. During WWII, Exide supplied industrial batteries for submarines and Joseph witnessed the launching of the USS Nautilus. On May 26, 2001 he married the former Patricia “Patti” West. Joseph enjoyed building model airplanes, cars, and boats. He also enjoyed fishing in his spare time. Mr. Blankley was a wiz at electronics and had an amazing sense of humor. He was a lifetime member of Trinity Episcopal Parish in St. Augustine, FL.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 16 years Patricia “Patti” West-Blankley of Cambridge; a son James W. Blankley and wife Linda D. Farr of Mooresville, NC; a daughter Barbara A. Marchesani of San Jose, CA; a step son H. William West and wife Kin of Cambridge; two step daughters Mary Benjamin and husband Dave of Cambridge and Barbara Robinson and husband Pastor Bob Robinson of Chesapeake VA, grandchildren: Amanda Spain and husband Matt, Anne Soderberg and husband Gavin, Tristan Blankley, Rutger Blankley, Nils Blankley, C.J. Barnes, Felicia Layton and husband Keith, Margie Robinson, Amanda Robinson, Anna Robinson, Jesi West, and Emma West; and his beloved dachshund Ossie. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife Elizabeth A. “Betty” Blankley.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge with Pastor Bob Robinson officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St John’s Chapel, 1213 Hudson Rd., Cambridge, MD 21613; Dorchester Center of the Arts, 321 High St., Cambridge, MD 21613; or to the Dorchester General Hospital Auxiliary, P.O. Box 554, Cambridge, MD 21613.