Charles Blakey, Jr.

Charles Blakey, Jr., affectionately known throughout his life as Blake, Charlie, Dad, Grandpa, and later “Pops,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 7, 2025. He was born on October 22, 1940, in White Plains, NY, to the late Charles and Hattie Blakey, and was the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his brothers James Blakey, Richard Wright, and Joe Wright.

Charles was educated in the White Plains School District and grew up attending Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains, NY, where he nurtured his faith and began a lifelong commitment to music and ministry. A self-taught drummer with a deep, resonant bass voice, Charles discovered his passion for music at an early age. Alongside childhood friends, he formed a group called The Five Sounds, which once competed at Amateur Night at the Apollo—losing to a blind boy playing the harmonica, who they later learned was none other than Stevie Wonder.

While he enjoyed performing, Charles ultimately found his true musical calling in the church. At Calvary Baptist Church, he served faithfully for decades as Director of the Male Chorus, earning
“Man of the Year” honors twice for his devotion to the ministry. His favorite songs to sing included “Farther Along,” “How Great Thou Art,” “White Christmas,” and “Silent Night.” He also found joy in listening to gospel greats like the Dixie Hummingbirds and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

Charles loved walking around White Plains—there wasn’t a place he went where someone didn’t know his name. He cherished his connections to the community, and he found peace in simple pleasures like reading the Bible (which he read in its entirety many times), doing crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper, watching television, and listening to Family Radio.

Charles worked for more than 20 years at Thomas Duran/Cheerful House and later at the Soda Systems Company in New Rochelle, NY. But his most enduring legacy wasn’t in his work or hobbies—it was in the steadfast love he showed to his family.

He was a simple man who lived with humility, quiet strength, and deep devotion. He didn’t require much to be happy—just the comfort of knowing his wife was home safely and his children were well. Charles led his family with a steady hand and a kind heart. Though he wasn’t a man of many words, when he spoke, people listened. He had a sharp wit, a warm sense of humor, and a presence that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Charles was married for 52 years to the love of his life, Comeller Bowser Blakey, whom he affectionately called his “girlfriend” and his “prize.” Together, they built a life rooted in faith and love, raising two children, Gerren C. Blakey of Mount Vernon, NY, and Porsche Blakey Hill of Lansdowne, PA. A devoted father, Charles remained closely connected to his children, texting them nearly every morning and evening just to say hello, goodnight, or “I love you.”

He was a proud grandfather to Keshawn Blakey of Colorado Springs, CO, and he had a special bond with his son-in-law, Ben (Banjani) Hill, whom he loved as his own son. Through Ben, Charles welcomed and embraced two step-grandchildren, Ameer Lunger of Philadelphia, PA and Mya Camacho Hill of Orlando, FL, who helped to lovingly enlarge the family he held so
dear.

Charles also cherished his many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

He leaves behind a family and a community who will deeply miss his steady presence, his hearty laugh, and his unwavering love.
His memory will live on in every song sung, every moment of quiet wisdom remembered, and every smile shared in his name.

Charles' life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 17, 2025. A visitation will be held at 9:00am at Calvary Baptist Church, Cousin Way, White Plains, New York. The funeral service will follow at the same venue at 10:00an. His earthly journey will culminate in an interment at 12:00pm at White Plains Rural Cemetery, 167 North Broadway, White Plains, New York.

We invite you to leave memories and upload photos of Charles on the memorial page, celebrating his life, and sharing the joy that he brought into ours.