John Blake RIP my friend

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crdickson
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Joined: March 6th, 2012, 3:21 pm

John Blake RIP my friend

Postby crdickson » March 6th, 2012, 3:24 pm

John Blake passed away this morning after a 3 week stay in ICU in the hospital. He was a close firend, and always fun to be with, laugh with, and share stories. Our friendship spans some 40 years. Joanne and I will miss him greatly, and our hearts and thoughts are with Marie, his long time companion and partner. John and Marie run Eastcoast Magic in State College PA, and he was the mover and shaker there and responsible for forming the Bob Elliot Magic Ring 352, and a Penn State Magic Club. A past partner of the Tannen's Magic shop empire, John Blake was currently the owner of East Coast Magic, started off in magic in 1972. He first started working as a stock boy at Lou Tannens Magic Shop in New York City. John worked his way up to becoming a demonstrator and then moved on to head demonstrator. He later became the manager and finally became an owner. John left Tannens in order to have the opportunity to be able to perform, teach and consult more. His most memorable years there were when he was a student of Slydini and Frank Garcia. John was also fortunate enough to be helped by many other well known magicians of the time. John has since started East Coast Magic on June 1, 2002 but still continued to perform, teach and consult. John was a creator, manufacturer, lecturer, performer, and great friend to Magic. No details are available yet. Another great loss to us all. Goodbye my friend, I will miss you, and as you have always said, we will meet again soon in that big Thumb Tip in the sky.

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luigimar
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby luigimar » March 6th, 2012, 3:43 pm

Sorry to read this. Another brother gone...
May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends.
luigimar

David Oliver
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby David Oliver » March 6th, 2012, 3:54 pm

John was a gentle giant and good friend. This is sad news, indeed. Rest in peace, John.
- DO

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby Richard Kaufman » March 6th, 2012, 3:54 pm

John was a nice guy. Sorry to hear it.
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Paul Richards
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby Paul Richards » March 6th, 2012, 4:19 pm

Im stunned to read this. John was an unbelievably nice guy. Always picking up the phone to check in and say hello. I always loved listening to his stories from the old NY magic scene and the Jubilee Conventions. Very sad news...

My deepest sympathies go out to Marie and his family.

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Dustin Stinett
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby Dustin Stinett » March 7th, 2012, 12:29 am

Very sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family and friends.

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Matthew Field
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby Matthew Field » March 7th, 2012, 9:52 am

John was a wonderful man and a talented magician. I got to know him pretty well when I was hanging out at Tannen's during lunch hours 20 years ago. He had a lovely silent drop link in his Linking Ring Routine, and loved doing Robot Coins, the mechanical trick in which vanished coins dropped into a glass covered by a card box.

We are poorer for his loss.

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Jonathan Townsend
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby Jonathan Townsend » March 7th, 2012, 11:36 am

Tannen's in the 1970s is starting to read like the start of a Star Wars movie. People and places become a story and fond memories. Finding John Blake at the other end of a drive to PA a few years ago came as a pleasant surprise. A friendly face at a fine magic shop.

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Pete Biro
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby Pete Biro » March 7th, 2012, 3:00 pm

He was a great guy that I enjoyed visiting with on my trips to NYC and Tannen's. R.I.P.
Stay tooned.

crdickson
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby crdickson » March 7th, 2012, 4:19 pm

For those in the area, details just posted.

Obit from Funeral Home.

John A. Pennino, 59, of Bellefonte, died Monday, March 5, 2012 at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Born November 30, 1952 in Manhattan, NY, he was a son of the late Salvatore and Josephine (Berlingeri) Pennino.
John was a great magician, working under the name of John Blake. He worked with many magicians including David Copperfield.
Friends will be received from 1 pm until the time of service at 2 pm, Friday, March 9, 2012 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby Richard Kaufman » March 7th, 2012, 4:37 pm

Craig, what was the cause of death?
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crdickson
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby crdickson » March 7th, 2012, 4:51 pm

Marie told me complications with his Liver.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby Richard Kaufman » March 7th, 2012, 4:59 pm

Jeez, that's been going on forever.
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crdickson
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Re: John Blake RIP my friend

Postby crdickson » March 7th, 2012, 5:17 pm

I know. Guess it got very bad.


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