Glaeser, Blake C.

Blake Christopher Glaeser, 59, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away unexpectedly, in his sleep, on March 31 at his home in Norwalk. Blake grew up in New Britain and was a member of the NBHS graduating class of 1979. After high school he attended UCONN where he received a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in marine biology.

After college Blake entered the environmental education field at the Echo Hill Outdoor School on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. There he lived with his students, teaching them about the natural world and the history of the area. After a few years he left Echo Hill and joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation where he spent twelve years. During his time at CBF he was Manager/Captain of the Northern Bay Boat Program. Blake was an excellent educator of the local wildlife and ecosystems and was loved and respected by his students and coworkers. As the captain of a one hundred year old skipjack, the Stanley Norman, he took students of all ages out onto the Bay to learn about the largest of all U.S. estuaries.

After leaving CBF, Blake entered the teaching field, first as a science teacher for grades one through four at the Langley school in McLean Virginia. After a few years Blake returned to Connecticut and spent twelve years as a science teacher at the Whitby School in Greenwich. Blake's expertise as a teacher and mentor, and knowledge of many areas made him popular with students and fellow teachers. At Whitby School Blake was involved in many activities including running the outdoors club. He travelled with students on skiing, hiking, and camping trips. He also traveled with students to the Carribean and Europe on several occasions.

During the past several years Blake has taught high school level science at the Wooster School in Danbury. Blake lived a rich and meaningful life with many interests including: growing plants and gardening, raising tropical fish, sailing, kayaking, bicycling, skiing, woodworking, cooking and canning his hot and spicy foods. He was the ultimate go to person if you needed something built or repaired.

Blake leaves his parents John and Diane Glaeser of New Britain, his sister Deborah Kardys and her husband Stanley of West Granby, two nephews Joshua Glaeser and Christopher Kardys. He also leaves six cousins: Leonie Nakayama and her husband Valter, Ruth Glaeser, Bill Eldridge and his wife Elizabeth, Rick Eldridge and his wife Lisa, Lori Eldridge, Shawn Darling and his wife Sandy, an uncle John darling and his wife Sandy, and many good friends including Omay Elphick, Bob Labadie and their families.

A private service was held by the family with a public memorial service to follow when the COVID-19 situation permits. In lieu of flowers Blake may be remembered with memorial donations to: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation at 6 Herndon Ave Annapolis, MD 21403 or at www.cbf.org/memorial.

Alternatively, memorial donations may also be made to First Lutheran Church of the Reformation at 77 Franklin Square New Britain, CT 06051-2633.

The Carlson Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com