Dr. Norman J. Blake, 74, of Dade City, passed away on December 26th. Norm was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts to Vaughn W. Blake and Beatrice M. Blake. The family moved to St. Petersburg when Norm was 3, and he was a member of the Northeast High School class of 1962. He graduated from Florida Presbyterian (now Eckerd) College, in 1966, where he cultivated many true and abiding friendships. In 1972, he received a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island and embarked on a 33-year career on the faculty of the University of South Floridas School of Marine Science. He specialized in shellfish ecology and reproduction, with a focus on the restoration of Floridas native scallop populations. His work will continue into the future through the efforts of the many graduate students he mentored. As a college freshman, Norman met Virginia Dew, of Dade City. They were married after graduation, and enjoyed 52 years together. Virginia survives him, as do their children, Sandra (Larry) Boles, of Newport, Oregon, Dr. Jonathan (Mindy) Blake, of Dade City, and James Blake of St. Petersburg, and grandchildren, Isaac, Tyler, Elijah, Lexi and Levi. Norman was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Vaughn, Edmond, and Russell. He was the long-time owner of the trawler Argopecten, and enjoyed a lifelong interest in the ocean, boating, and marine life. His membership in the National Shellfisheries Association took him to many distant locations, and we know his loss will be felt by colleagues and friends from every corner of the globe. Norm was active in the Pioneer Florida Museum Association (Dade City), having served as its treasurer until very recently. The family is requesting memorial donations to the Museum(www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org) in lieu of flowers. A celebration of Dr. Blakes life is being planned for friends and family in early February.