Blake Anthony Huntley passed away March 27, 2026, at the age of 43. Born Dec. 29, 1982, in Red Bank, he was the son of the late Jeffrey Huntley and Pamela Gartland. Blake was raised in Long Branch and later moved to Texas with his mother, where he lived for 17 years before returning to New Jersey this past October. His return brought him back to the place he had always called home, and it was a meaningful chapter in a life marked by resilience, affection, and deep connection to family and place.
Blake attended Monmouth University, where he studied English. He had a lifelong appreciation for learning and the written word, and his love of literature remained a defining part of who he was. He was a true Renaissance man whose interests reflected both curiosity and depth. He loved the arts in many forms, and he found joy in reading English literature, building an extensive album collection, and spending time with music and film. He was also an avid admirer of the cinema and movies, and he appreciated the way stories could move, inspire and connect people.
Those who knew Blake will remember him as kind and gentle. He carried himself with a quiet warmth that made others feel at ease, and his presence left a lasting impression on the people fortunate enough to know him. He had a thoughtful spirit and a generous heart, and he brought a sense of calm and sincerity to the lives he touched. His love for the arts and his appreciation for beauty in everyday life reflected the depth of his character and the richness of his inner world.
Blake is survived by his mother, Pamela Gartland; his sister, Jessica Edgar Corum, and her wife, Jamie Corum; his nephew Cash Edgar; and his nieces, Zoey Edgar and Ivy Edgar. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, his beloved dog, Rufus.
The bond he shared with his family was an important part of his life, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Friends and family paid their respects April 2 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals, Belford. A service concluded the evening and a private cremation followed.
The article originally appeared in the April 9 – 15, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
