Eugene L. Blackwell

Eugene L. Blackwell, 92 of Manchester, beloved husband of the late E. Mary Blackwell, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, with his family at his side. "Gene" was born July 14, 1923 in Boston, MA, son of the late Hugh and Gertrude Blackwell and resided in Manchester since 1954. He graduated from Boston College, earning his Bachelor's Degree. His studies were interrupted by the events of World War II, as Gene joined the United States Marine Corps, serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the Pacific Islands, Japan and China. In his earlier years, Gene told of leading a platoon of Marines from an amphibious carrier onto a beach in Okinawa. Later in life, Gene served as the Commander of the Manchester Power Squadron. Gene, like his late wife, Mary, was a devout and active parishioner of St. Bridget Church for more than 60 years and was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the St. Bridget Choir; the St. Bridget Small Group Community; and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He and his wife received the St. Joseph Award from Archbishop Henry Mansell. Gene enjoyed his boat, his books, and his family. Gene had a good sense of humor and retained his kind and calm spirit even in illness. His family is grateful for the compassionate care given to Gene by the staff of Visiting Nurse Health Services, Corp. and of A Caring Hand, and is especially grateful for his personal caregiver, Nana Kwaku Antwi-Dako, as well as the constant care by his eldest son, Bill. In addition to his parents and his wife, Gene is predeceased by a brother, Robert Blackwell. Gene is survived by his loving family: son, William L. Blackwell of Wareham, MA; son, Geoffrey T. Blackwell and his wife, Judith of Vernon; daughter, Barbara A. McVeigh and her husband, Frederick of Manchester; son, David H. Blackwell and his wife, Kathryn of South Windsor; son, E. Lawrence Blackwell and his wife, Elizabeth of Manchester; eight grandchildren: Sarah Blackwell, and her husband, Ian McCracken; James Blackwell, and Kelly Whinnem; John Blackwell, and his wife, Tess; Michael Blackwell and his wife, Brianna; Joshua McVeigh; Cody McVeigh; Mary Blackwell; Benjamin Blackwell; and two great-grandchildren: Anne and June, as well as many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 9:00 am at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St. Manchester, with burial to follow in St. Bridget Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends may call at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester on Friday, July 15, 2016, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Rosary to follow). Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bridget Church. To leave a message of condolence please visit: www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com

Visitation DetailsFriday, July 15th, 2016 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Holmes Funeral Home
Service DetailsSaturday, July 16th, 2016 9:00am, St. Bridget Church
Interment DetailsSt. Bridget Cemetery