With deep sadness and heartfelt grief, the City of Rockledge acknowledges the passing of Chairman Emeritus and longtime Councilman Richard K. “Dick” Blake. Councilman Blake’s legacy is one of profound and lasting impact—his more than 40 years of service in public leadership, education, and community advancement transformed not only Rockledge, but all of Brevard County.
Councilman Blake began his historic service on the Rockledge City Council in 1976, dedicating four uninterrupted decades to the City until his retirement in 2016. He remains the longest-serving Council Member in Rockledge’s history. In recognition of his years of leadership as Council Chairman, he was designated Chairman Emeritus in 2014.
A lifelong resident of Rockledge and the grandson of freed slaves, Councilman Blake was the seventh of ten children in a family where education was paramount—eight of the ten siblings earned college degrees. He attended Claflin College, Florida A&M University, and Columbia University. As a student at Monroe High School in Cocoa, Councilman Blake excelled as a three-sport athlete, earning accolades in football, baseball, and basketball.
Blake went on to coach at Monroe High for 11 years and made history by becoming the first African American principal in Brevard County, serving at Cocoa High School. Through his leadership, he played a pivotal role in the integration of the county’s public school system.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service and community leadership, the City of Rockledge renamed the former Community Park to “Dick Blake Park” in 2012. His accolades continued: he was inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, awarded the Key to the City of Rockledge in 2016, and honored in 2018 with the renaming of Cocoa High School’s stadium in tribute to his 23 years of service there. Most recently, in 2022, the Rockledge City Council proclaimed February 6th as Richard K. “Dick” Blake Day, celebrating his tireless activism and immeasurable contributions across Rockledge, Cocoa, and the greater Brevard County region.
Councilman Blake’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of public service, education, and principled leadership. He will be profoundly missed, but his spirit and influence will live on in the community he so passionately served.
Councilman Blake was guided by a strong moral compass, clear vision, and a deep passion that inspired those around him to strive for their best. He truly made the world—and especially his community—a better place. While his presence will be deeply missed, the impact of his life’s work will continue to be felt throughout Rockledge, Cocoa, and all of Brevard County for generations to come.