John Ronald Blake III

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Blake III, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who died peacefully on September 2, 2025, at the age of 73.

Born on April 10, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, John later moved with his family to Sacramento, CA. He was the oldest of five children. He graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1970 and soon began work as a technician for Pacific Bell. He loved fishing with family, biking through the streets of Midtown Sacramento, and cooking his world-famous salsa (warning: spicy).

John made his home in the Midtown and South Land Park neighborhoods of Sacramento, where he was known for his outgoing, fun-loving personality and his love for music. An accomplished guitarist, bassist, and singer, he performed with multiple bands over the years, playing hundreds of shows. He cherished the blues, classic rock, and the oldies but always enjoyed exploring new genres that inspired him as well. John made some of his closest friends through music, and loved the ritual of weekly band practice in the garage with his favorite people.

He became a father with the birth of his daughter, Charlotte, in 1981, and his son, John, in 1988. He passed his swimming and wrestling skills on to Charlotte and taught John to play baseball and music. He will be remembered for his kindness, silly sense of humor, strong work ethic, strength, and loyalty.

John is survived by his children Charlotte and John, his siblings Andrea, Emily, and Sherman, his granddaughters Jade and Iris, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on September 19 at W.F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Chapel, 2015 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA. Following the service, there will be a wake at his son’s home. 

Flowers are welcome and appreciated.

Rest easy and rock on, John. You will be missed.