Ricardo Vonzell Blake II, lovingly known as Ric, age 37, of O’Fallon, Illinois, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Born on April 5, 1988, in California to Ricardo Blake and Kathy Blake (née Berg), Ric was the son of a military family and experienced life in several places before settling in O’Fallon in 1998. From then on, he called O’Fallon home.
Ric was a good man—deeply kind, selfless, and always willing to go out of his way to help others. To those who knew him, he was “everyone’s brother”—a loyal friend, a deep thinker, and a quiet source of strength and laughter.
Ric was endlessly curious and creative, with passions spanning art, technology, animals, and obscure trivia. Most friends can still find a sketch or doodle of his tucked into a notebook or drawer—little pieces of his spontaneous creativity. In the kitchen, he was just as imaginative, constantly experimenting with flavors and dreaming of one day opening a sandwich shop and launching his own line of hot sauces. His culinary ambitions were fueled not just by his love of food, but by his desire to bring joy to others.
A proud graduate of O’Fallon Township High School, Ric spent much of his professional life contributing to the local community, working at several downtown businesses and, most recently, as a Geek Squad technician. There, his technical expertise and easygoing manner made him a trusted and beloved figure among coworkers and customers alike.
Ric is survived by his devoted parents, Ricardo and Kathy Blake, and his sister, Danielle Blake of Horseheads, New York. He also leaves behind his treasured “fur-children”: dogs Zora and Rito, and cat Apple. He is mourned by his grandmother, Linda Bryant of O’Fallon, as well as by his extended family: Aunt Kim Potter (Randy) of New Mexico; Uncle Scott Berg (Kristin) of Arizona; Aunt Debbie Wherry (Jeff) of Tennessee; Uncle Jeff Blake (Aurora) of California; and many cousins.
In accordance with Ric’s wishes, no formal funeral will be held. Instead, a celebration of life will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Gia’s in O’Fallon. Friends and family are invited to come as they are and join in sharing stories, laughter, food, and a toast in Ric’s honor—a tribute as vibrant and genuine as he was.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ric’s name to Stray Rescue of St. Louis—where he adopted Rito—or to the Metro East Humane Society (mehs.org).
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Illinois.
