Curtis “Curt” Dale Blakely, 64, of Saxonburg, PA, passed away peacefully after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Through it all, Curt faced his illness with the same grit and determination that defined his entire life.
Born in Beaver County to the late James Blakley and Mary (McCamey) Blakley, Curt faced early heartbreak when his mother passed away when he was just two years old. He was later blessed with, and deeply loved by, his stepmother, Mary Blakley, who also preceded him in death.
A graduate of Blackhawk High School, Curt proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1980 to 1983. Stationed in Panama as a Watercraft Engineer, he carried his patriotism and work ethic throughout his life. Following his honorable discharge, Curt returned home and spent many dedicated years working for the Zinc Corporation.
Curt was a man who truly appreciated the simple, beautiful things in life. He was an avid hunter, and you could frequently find him deep in the woods with his bow, tracking his next trophy buck. He loved the peace of camping and the absolute freedom of the open road, riding his Harley-Davidson with the breeze on his face.
He had a deep love for his dogs, Rosie and Gracie, and held a special place in his heart for Tater-his best friend and loyal companion who never left his side.
Curt changed his life around and had 13 years of sobriety, only by God’s grace and the loving support of his family and friends. Throughout those years, he helped many people dedicating himself to helping countless others on their own paths to recovery. Curt was a man of immense loyalty. He was incredibly grateful for the true friends he had in his life and was the kind of person who would have done absolutely anything for someone in need.
Curt is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Blakley, whom he married in 2019, making a home together in Saxonburg. Curt’s greatest legacy and the absolute pride and joy of his life were his four children and his granddaughter. He leaves behind his children, Jeremey Blakley of Beaver County, Nichole Blakley of Beaver County, Zachary (Alexandria) Stone of West Mifflin, Cody Blakley of Monaca and Hailee (Bryson) McGath, his cherished granddaughter, whom he loved from the bottom of his heart.
Curt is also survived by his sister, Penny (Bill) Venezie, and his brother, Mike Blakley. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Kathy Ann Blakley, Janice (Dan) Yurich, and his brother, Mark Blakley.
Curt leaves his family and friends with a lifetime of beautiful, lasting memories-of laughing around the campfire, stomping through the autumn woods, and riding through the countryside.
He will forever be loved, missed, and remembered.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 3-7 PM at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001. WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM. Full military honors and a prayer service will immediately follow in the funeral home.