Melvin Robert Blake, 61 (AKA Mel-Mel), unexpectedly departed this life on February 15, 2026. He was born on November 21, 1964, to the late Loretta Maxine Crawford and Melvin Pierce. He was affectionately raised by the late Thomas Crawford.

Melvin was a lifelong resident of Bridgeton, NJ. He attended Cumberland Regional High School. He held various jobs throughout his life. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed cooking, music, dancing, rapping, drawing, and keeping up with the latest fashion, and he was the life of the party.

He leaves to cherish his loving children, Michael Patterson of Millville, NJ; Shawnta Blake of Vineland, NJ; Melshanda & Melisha Speed of Zanesville, Ohio; Ja’Keema & Zabraun Blake of New Jersey; and Dinesha Garcia of Denver, Colorado. 14 grandchildren; 7 brothers, Thomas Blake of Vineland, NJ; Tyrone Blake of Bridgeton, NJ; David Blake (Nicole) of Charlotte, NC; Joshua Crawford of Millville, NJ; Christopher Smith of Bridgeton, NJ; Roscoe Hall of Bridgeton, NJ; and Melvin Watson of Millville, NJ. 3 sisters, Deborah McCall (Lamar) of Vineland, NJ; Edna Hall of Virginia; and Pat Hall of Bridgeton, NJ; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by one granddaughter, Briana Speed; one sister, Joyce Smith; maternal grandparents, Della and Andrew Johnson; and paternal grandmother, Rachel Pierce.