Robert had a distinguished career. Before retiring in 2006, Robert served as Vice President and General Counsel at the University of Miami for 12 years. President Donna Shalala called him “An excellent negotiator, one of the best listeners I’ve ever met, and one of the toughest attorneys I’ve ever worked with.” Prior to his employment at the University of Miami, Robert worked as a division chief to the Public Health Trust, the agency that operates Jackson Memorial Hospital.

He was also a senior litigator and appellate attorney in the torts division of the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office. In 1991, Robert helped draft the Florida statute and the Miami-Dade County ordinance that established the half-penny hospital sales tax for the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. But one of his most notable achievements was his successful argument before the Florida Supreme Court in the case of Dade County vs. American Hospital of Miami.

Robert belonged to many organizations including the Florida Bar Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Life Member) and the Food and Wine Association (Charter Member).

Robert was preceded in death by his father and mother, Reverend John Samuel and Eva Blake, brother Jerald Arte Blake, sisters Aleane B. White,  Emma B. Walker, and Kathye B. Rumph.   

Robert leaves to cherish his memories; devoted wife Carolyn, daughters Denese (Van) and Robyn, son Craig (Kahleela), and grandchildren Ashley, Sydney, Michael and Christian. 

Siblings who cherish his memories are brother John Samuel Blake Jr. (Janie), and sisters Johnnye Charlow Butler, Josie B. Green, Rubye B. Wilson, Ruthel L. Blake, and Eleanor B. Day, brothers-in-law Richard Rumph, Tommy Smith (Bobbie) and sister in law Edith Reeves.  He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Robert Leroy Blake  was the seventh of eleven children, born on January 26, 1941 to Reverend and Mrs. John Samuel Blake, Sr. Growing up, Robert and his family lived in many cities throughout Florida because his father was an AME pastor who often relocated to fulfill various church appointments. 

Robert graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1959 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Tennessee State University. Robert later earned his law degree from the Howard University School of Law where he was the Vice President of his class. While at Tennessee State, Robert discovered his true love, Carolyn, who he affectionately called “Pity”. Robert and Pity were married for nearly 52 years and had three children: Denese, Robyn and Craig.

Robert loved to attend church and knew the bible well. Throughout his life, he explored many denominations but came back to his roots and joined Mount Hermon AME Church.

Robert was known for his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone because he was knowledgeable about many subjects. He was well read and well versed, even maintaining his own personal library with wall to wall books. He could recite dates, names, times, and events at the drop of a hat. His family joked that he had a photographic memory. 

Robert’s love of sports began when he listened to baseball games on the radio with his dad. He became an avid sports fan and followed many special athletes and coaches that he admired at the collegiate and professional level. He traveled to many sporting events, but he really enjoyed accompanying the University of Miami football team during their championship games.

Robert was a connoisseur of food and a follower of celebrity chefs. He often travelled around the country to experience a new dish. When dining in fine restaurants, he cherished the opportunity to speak with the chef in the kitchen and learn about their techniques. But make no mistake, you could find Robert anywhere there was good food,  whether it was in his own kitchen or the local corner restaurant.