Timothy Berdan Blancke, 93
Timothy Berdan Blancke passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 16 at Life Care Center in Nashoba Valley, less than two weeks before his 94th birthday. Tim was a very kind, loving, and generous man who thought highly of both his family of origin and the family he went on to create. Through his final days he expressed nothing but gratitude for every aspect of his life.
Tim leaves his wife Shirley, to whom he was married for 64 years; his daughter Clare Burhoe and son Brian; and Clare’s twins, Joshua and Raef. He was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Cynthia Bartholow of Dallas and Jean Wenigmann of Dublin, New Hampshire.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, he spent his childhood in Rhode Island during World War II when his father was a Navy officer. In high school at Hotchkiss, Connecticut, he already knew he wanted to be an engineer and went on to graduate in electrical engineering from Cornell University.
Working at Curtiss-Wright, New Jersey, Tim became interested in developing sensitive electronic measuring instruments and afterwards at Engelhard Industries worked on precision instruments and cathodic corrosion protection for ships. In Massachusetts, he worked briefly at the Rotek company, but spent the next 22 years at Hewlett-Packard as a product development engineer in the Medical Products Division developing patient monitoring systems for hospitals.
After retirement, Tim learned computer science and embarked on public service for the town. For 20 years he taught GED math and computer skills in Acton’s two prisons as a volunteer for Acton Prison Outreach, an activity he loved. He joined the town Planning Board for 5 years, eventually becoming chair. He was on the board of Belknap House, an assisted living house for the elderly. He was also proud of winning a vote in Town Meeting where he had proposed an article to create accountability for the school system. He helped preserve an area on Annursnac Hill as a public park.
Tim always loved dogs, and his family owned seven golden retrievers in succession. He and Shirley enjoyed many trips across the world as well as water sports and music.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 7, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street. Donations may be made to Acton Prison Outreach or Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue League.
Arrangements under the care of Acton Funeral Home, concordfuneral.com.
