Paul Edgar Blake Jr., 65, of Leesburg, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2026.

Born on September 24, 1960, Paul was originally from Western Pennsylvania and carried his roots with him throughout his life, including a lifelong loyalty to Pittsburgh sports.

Paul built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in engineering, technology, and project management. He was widely respected as a Project Management Consultant and Microsoft Project Server architect, serving as the founder and principal consultant of Scope Management LLC, where he advised government agencies and commercial organizations for more than 20 years.

Early on, Paul held leadership and engineering roles with Titan Secure Solutions, UUNET Technologies, Loral Federal Systems, and IBM Federal Systems Division. His work included managing major technology initiatives supporting the Federal Aviation Administration, including systems used across the National Airspace System.

Throughout the Washington metropolitan IT community, Paul became a recognized expert in enterprise project management systems, helping organizations design and implement complex project management and reporting solutions that improved how teams planned and delivered critical work.

Colleagues knew Paul as a reliable and hardworking program manager, a thoughtful problem solver, and a trusted teammate.

Paul’s commitment to learning and professional excellence was reflected in his education and certifications. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Strayer University, as well as an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering from Pittsburgh Technical College. In addition, he completed Six Sigma Black Belt Certification through Villanova University. Paul also held several Microsoft professional certifications and was a Project Management Professional (PMP).

Outside of work, Paul enjoyed gaming and target shooting. He also loved cooking, especially barbecuing and smoking meats. Paul took great pleasure in sharing his latest culinary creation with extremely appreciative friends, family, and coworkers.

An engaging storyteller, Paul delighted in recounting some of his life experiences to eager listeners. Demonstrating a creative side that complemented his analytical mind, Paul was an accomplished amateur artist. He was also an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Generous with his time and knowledge, Paul had a quick wit that could make everyone around him laugh.

He enthusiastically volunteered as a Boy Scout leader for a troop that included his son Patrick. In classic Paul fashion, he earned a coveted “corn hat” for outstanding contributions to the troop’s popcorn sales fundraiser.

In addition, Paul was a proud and eager supporter of his son’s numerous other activities, notably serving as a chaperone for Patrick’s Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit at Loudoun County High School.

Always the unabashed Hockey Dad, Paul delighted in cheering Patrick on as he competed in youth hockey games. Paul often volunteered as a penalty box attendant, helping ensure the safety of the players and the integrity of the game. When high schooler Patrick skated for County’s hockey team, Paul happily traveled with his son to the different competitions.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of more than 31 years Patricia “Trish” McCarthy Blake, whom he married in October 1994, and his son Patrick Evan Blake, of whom he was incredibly proud as Patrick studies for a career in data center management. He is also survived by his brother Shawn Blake of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Paul E. Blake Sr. and Wilma K. Blake.

Paul was a cherished member of Trish’s family, including her late parents Josephine and David McCarthy Sr., as well as her six siblings: Linda McCarthy, David McCarthy Jr., Kathleen McCarthy Parks, William McCarthy, Carol McCarthy Randlett, and Teresa McCarthy Johnson.

Many will remember Paul at his happiest, standing at a smoker, tending to a hearty brisket while discussing Penguins hockey or Steelers football with family and friends.

Paul’s legacy lives on in the innumerable lives he touched through his work, friendship, generosity, and humor. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on April 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, Virginia. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share in remembering him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the nonprofit Loudoun First Responders Foundation through the organization’s Web site LFRF.ORG. On the form, please note that the contribution is in memory of Paul Blake.