Donald Blake, Jr.

Donald Blake, Jr., executive vice president and principal of Joseph J. Blake and Associates, Inc., a real estate valuation and consulting firm based in Jericho, N.Y., has died at age 54, the company announced.

As a third-generation member of the 58-year-old firm, Blake had directed nine of the company’s U.S. offices, and followed a tradition established by his father and grandfather. His real estate appraisal initiatives included the creation of BlakeGlobal to offer international alliances with investors, lenders, and owners. His father, Donald Blake, Sr. president, will continue to lead the company.

Donald Blake, Jr. grew up in the family business, alongside his father, and helped expand the company founded by his grandfather, Joseph J. Blake. From its beginning in a one-room office in the founder’s home in Freeport, Long Island, the company, over the years, established itself as a prominent appraisal specialist.

Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo appointed Donald Blake, Jr. to the charter advisory board of the New York State Appraisal Certification Board. The organization develops standards for licensing and certification of appraisers in New York State.

Blake also was active with the Pension Real Estate Association, the Mortgage Bankers Association, The Commercial Mortgage Securitization Association and the Urban Land Institute. He was a director on the board for Amen Properties and a member of fundraising committees for the Republican Party.

A scholar and athlete, he graduated from St. Paul’s Preparatory School in Garden City, New York in 1975. He earned a B.A. from Hobart College in Geneva, New York in 1979, and a master of science degree in management from Florida International University in Miami, in 1981.