KENT, Conn. — William Joseph Blank passed away April 4, 2025, at home with his wife, Debra Gabriel-Blank, by his side.
Bill was born Nov. 10, 1955, at Sharon Hospital to Gladys and John Blank of Kent.
Bill graduated from HVRHS and went on to a post-graduate program at Abbott Tech in Danbury.
From childhood, he was passionate about anything with an engine. He worked for a number of garages and dealerships in the area before opening his own shop, Blank’s Automotive.
A lifelong resident of Kent, Bill was a devout member of Sacred Heart Church and a veteran member of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department.
He will be remembered for his solidity and faithfulness to his family and friends, and for his many quiet acts of service.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his sister, Deborah Blank; nephews, Christopher Carlson and Raymond Gabriel; nieces Anna Carlson, Kara Gabriel, and Julie Falter; great-nephews, Wylie and Thomas Carlson; and his dog Parker.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated April 10 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 17 Bridge St., Kent. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kent.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Lillis Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.