Mr. Blanken, 76, of Sayreville, died June 16, 2011, in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he was employed for 30 years as a history teacher with the Matawan Board of Education, primarily in the middle school. Before that, he worked for E.I. Du Pont Photo Products, Parlin section of Sayreville. He was a former Democratic Committeeman. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie E. Grabowski Blanken. Surviving are four children and their spouses, Susan Blanken of Bridgewater, Karen and Brian London of the Whitehouse Station section of Readington, William and Jane Blanken of Florida and Steven Blanken of Sayreville; a brother, Fred Blanken, and his wife, Betty; two sisters, Alice Ham and Dorothy Blanken; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A Mass was offered at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Sayreville. Interment was in the church cemetery. Arrangements were by Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home, Parlin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sayreville Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 9, Sayreville, NJ 08872.
