Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Bernie J. Blake, "Ret. CPD"

Passed away on February 2, 2025

Bernard J. “Bernie” Blake, age 83, Retired CPD, late of the East Side, passed away on February 2, 2025. Beloved husband of Camille (Nee Polarek) for 49 years. Loving father of Beth (Ben) and Brennan (Kristen) Blake. Cherished papa of Nadia, Brooklynn, and Bradley. Dearest brother of Diana (late Jack) Miller, Rose (late Patrick) Carney, late Richard Blake and late Frances Keyes. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Bernie was a retired patrolman for the Chicago Police Department, serving his entire career with the 4th District for 34 years. Bernie loved to share stories, especially those relating to a childhood centered around Chicago’s Grand Crossing neighborhood. It was here where athletics helped establish a life driven by determination and hard work. Against the odds, he graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1960, funding his education through work before and after school. Shortly after, Bernie served in the U.S. Army stationed in Korea, where his love for boxing turned competitive, and ultimately successful. After returning, Bernie became a Chicago police officer where he cherished his later years as a walking beat officer on Chicago’s East Side. He undoubtedly valued the interaction of helping others and trying to improve the community. Bernie enjoyed his love for Chicago athletics, fishing and golf. He especially loved 16” softball which he played for over 50 years. His love for athletics led to years of basketball coaching and mentoring for many young men at Annunciata grammar school. Bernie will be remembered for his ability to overcome adversity and unprecedented determination. Those core values were the base of his presence, believing if you could dream it, it can be a possibility. The people he has touched and assisted over the years, warms the heart of the family. May he rest in peace.

Visitation Friday, February 7, 2025, from 1-6 p.m. at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago, IL 60617. Private Interment with Military Honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of the Calumet Area. For more information 773-731-2749. www.elmwoodchapel.com

Visitation Location

East Side
11200 S. Ewing Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 731-2749

Map

Visitation Information

Friday, February 7, 2025 - 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm

Condolences
"My Condolences to the Entire Family. Bernie was a great guy. May he Rest Peacefully now."
- Denise Maggio
February 3, 2025 1:45 pm
"Bernie will be greatly missed , always enjoyed our chats when he would stop by the State Farm office. "
- Robert Betcher
February 3, 2025 3:13 pm
"So very sorry to hear. My condolences to the entire Blake family. "
- Pamela Pokrywczynski
February 3, 2025 4:36 pm
"The three musketeers are now only two! We love you and will miss you. Rest now with all Gods angels and saints. Until we meet again! Love you, Don "
- Don Micelli
February 3, 2025 6:58 pm
"Truly sorry for Your Troubles. I might have worked with His Dad at Brighton Building Construction. Great Man as well if that's the case? Great Friend of my Father as well! RIP!"
- Skip O'Donnell CPD
February 3, 2025 8:26 pm
"My Condolence’s to you Camille and your entire family. Thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult time."
- George Yekich
February 4, 2025 6:13 am
"Our sincere condolences to the entire Blake family for your loss. Thank you for your service Mr.Blake. May he rest in peace🙏 ##WeAreMC🤎🤍🤎"
- The Cano family
February 4, 2025 8:42 am
"The thoughts and prayers of the Mount Carmel High School community are with your family during these days. May the saints of Carmel welcome Bernie into God's eternal embrace and may Our Lady of Mount Carmel wrap you in the mantle of her love and care. "
- Mount Carmel High School
February 4, 2025 9:35 am
"Dear Camille & Family Peace be with all of you. Mark Conrad"
- Mark Conrad
February 4, 2025 2:14 pm
"Condolences to the Blake family, sorry to hear of his passing, he will be missed. Bernie Pistello Ret. Det. CPD"
- Bernie Pistello
February 5, 2025 9:31 am
"Great friend and neighbor my condolences to you and your family"
- Rich Pina
February 5, 2025 3:04 pm
"Thoughts and prayers for the entire family during this time. Plenty of great memories of Coach Bernie Blake from basketball at Annunciata and other activities/events/hangouts. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal - love leaves a memory no one can steal." "
- Ryan Geldmyer
February 6, 2025 9:28 am
"Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed. Rich and Gail Perez"
- Rich Perez
February 6, 2025 10:49 am
"Camille and family, Our condolences for the loss of our friend Bernie. Tom and Marcia Manella "
- Marcia Manella
February 6, 2025 6:46 pm
"Sorry to hear about Bernie. My condolences to Camille and Blake family. May Bernie rest in peace."
- Nick Cikulin (Ret. CPD)
February 7, 2025 9:05 am
"Camille, Beth, Brennan and the entire Blake family so sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Lennie B "
- Lennie B
February 10, 2025 7:00 am
Candles Lit
"Our condolences to you all. "
- John, Susan and Christopher Schulz
February 3, 2025 9:28 pm
"May Our Lady of Mt. Carmel pray for your eternal repose and for your family's console. RIP Mr.Blake."
- The Cano family
February 4, 2025 8:45 am