WATERFORD- Reese Blackburn, departed on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, was the beloved son of Linda and Benjamin Blackburn, and leaves behind his dear sister, Caroline, all of Cheshire. He graduated Cheshire High School class of 2010, and was studying business at Three Rivers Community College in Waterford. Reese was employed at Walmart, of Waterford, but was best known as the creator of the Itune application "What's so Special About Joey Speckles?"- a story for children.
Reese was born April 15, 1991, with a rare congenital heart defect, HLHS. He overcame many obstacles to live a full, independent life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc., 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263. A service celebrating the life of Reese Blackburn will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Door of Hope Community Church 120 Church street (rte 68) Yalesville, CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Brunetto Family, especially Korey, who treasured Reese's friendship at High Road School.
Another trip around the world without you! To imagine all the things you would have accomplished by now. Always keeping you and your family in my heart. Xo
Tricia
Work
February 1, 2024
Remembering Reese today reminds me of his time at CHS and how he enjoyed being in his sock feet as he did his schoolwork with us. He was casual and very comfortable. A sweet memory.
Patsy Mickett
February 1, 2022
John Greenhalgh
1991 -2020
John Greenhalgh
Son
August 11, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I wont forget you Resse
John Greenhalgh
Friend
May 20, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
John Greenhalgh
Friend
May 20, 2020
I wont forget you Resse
John Greenhalgh
Friend
May 20, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.GOODBYE REESE IM GONNA MISS YOU MAN!!!!!(Crying)
Resse
Friend
May 20, 2020
Thinking of you today, Linda, Ben, and Caroline as you remember Reese's passing. Love, Pat and Cliff
Pat and Cliff Mickett
Friend
January 31, 2020
Ben & Linda
I just learned today of Reese's passing by someone who attended Christ Community when we did. We are all so sorry for your loss, but learned a great deal about how happy and independent Reese was, and heard that the memorial was beautiful. I am so sorry we did not attend, I don't get the Cheshire herald so did not hear until today.
Our thoughts and continued prayers are with you all.
Jeen Melendez
March 10, 2013
Ben and Linda,
We just found out about Reese. Our hearts go out to the three of you and to you family. May God give you the strength to endure through these troubling times.
The Randolph G. Russ Family
February 24, 2013
Blackburn Family, I am very sorry for your loss.
Seth Harris
February 14, 2013
My dear Reese. I wish I wasn't in FL so I could come out to say goodbye. I miss you and wish you were still here. Fly high little buddy and look down at all the people you touched in your short time with us.
Maria Masi
February 14, 2013
May you draw close to God at this difficult time.James4:8
February 12, 2013
My son, Korey, was friends with Reese at High Road School. He and I were just devastated to hear of Reese's passing. What an amazing young man you were blessed with. He was truly a caring and gifted young man and my son was honored to have Reese as a friend.
My heart just breaks with you and I pray for God to comfort you each and every day. God bless you.
We miss you, Reese.
Karen Brunetto
February 12, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
February 11, 2013
Our hearts ache for the loss of your son Reese. Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you always.
Greg & Dianne Sparzo
February 11, 2013
Dear Reese's family you don't know me, I don't know your son I have children, and I can only amagin your heartache, just know my prayers are with you and your family, much love.
Michelle
February 11, 2013
Reese was good careing kid be miss at Waterford Walmart won't be same my prays go out to mr and mrs Blackburn and family sorry for ur lost he always help others out rest in pease my friend
Laura Burkhalter
February 10, 2013
It's so hard to find the words to say when a sudden loss is experienced. Thankful that you know the God of all comfort & praying that you'll experience that comfort in a supernatural way. I just spoke to Reese a few weeks ago at Oasis. He seemed so happy with the way his life was going. Linda - I don't the know the pain of losing a child but a mother's heart is always towards her children. I'm praying for the Lord to guard your heart. May you be uplifted by all the outpouring as you realize how many lives Reese touched.
Sue Gerace
February 9, 2013
On behalf of our Wal-Mart family, I wanted to express our deepest sympathy to Mr and Mrs Blackburn on the recent loss of their loving son. Reese was a fun loving, energetic, and positive individual. He was also a stellar employee that will be sadly missed by all of his brothers and sisters at Waterford Wal-Mart. Rest in peace, my friend, we love you!
Alan Centazzo
February 9, 2013
To the Blackburn Family,
Bob and I are so sorry for the loss of Reese. He accomplished so much in his short 21 years with all the hurtles he had to overcome We know you we're so proud of him as we're many that knew him. He is now at peace and hope reflection on his life gives you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda and Bob Bankowski
February 9, 2013
God needed another angel Reese Blackburn got the job,please GOD watch and bless the Blackburn family in this most diffucult time..so sorry for your lost..Cherylann Oliver
February 8, 2013
Reese was a great guy. He touched so many. He was one of a kind. I had the privilege and honor of working with him and getting to know him as a kind smart funny great guy. He will truly be missed. 2331 will never be the same. A great guy with a heart of gold!!!!!
James Silva
February 8, 2013
Reese was recognized as a quiet young man to me. I send my condolences with a great deal of sorrow in my heart for all that he touched he is my sons age. Many blessings and thoughts go out to his mother and father God bless
Michelle
February 8, 2013
Dear Blackburn Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your recent loss of your dear son. I was so very blessed to have met you ALL origninally in 1991 at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It was a true pleasure participating in Reese's care as a staff RN. What a treat to have had again the opportunity to see you all more recently at the Nemours Cardiac Center. Reese you are a special young man- brave, sweet and so smart! I loved hearing about your children books written/illustrated with such sensitivity. Thank you for touching me with your spirit. I will remember your big smile.
Sincerely, Maria Brawley
Maria Brawley
February 8, 2013
Blackburn family our sympathy for your loss.
Dave & Deb Merk
February 8, 2013
<3
Ann Lyon
February 8, 2013
I wish I had gotten to know Reese more, he seemed like the kind of person who was friends with everyone , and once he was in your life you were touched forever. My thoughts and prayers are with any friends and family.
Cassie S
February 8, 2013
I didn't know Reese as well as most but one thing i know is that he always put a smile on my face on a good day bad day st my worst just the the smile on his face made my day he was always positive always kept his head held high we were.co workers but i also considered him a friend he will be dearly missed my heart && prayers go out to his family rip Reese
Migeria Wiley
February 8, 2013
Reese your going to be missed by so many. Store 2331 will never be the same without you. We will never forget you and neither will I. You were a awesome co worker. God gave you your wings to watch and protect us all. Rest in peace my friend ill never forget you <3
Kristin Peatie-Masci
February 7, 2013
Dear Blackburn family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. I know that his short life was filled with the love of a dear family.
Diane Henry
February 7, 2013
Dear Ben, Linda & Caroline
Please accept our deepest sympathies. God's comfort to you all at this time.
Bill & Mary Lee Bolton
February 7, 2013
Reese, my favorite heartsong. Your smile, your strut, watching you drive your car, your childrens book, your political views, chatting with you every night about anything and everything. What a wonderful man you became. I wish I had known you longer. You have touched my heart like no other and I'm proud of everything you taught me. I am grateful to have had you in my heart, because without having ever met you my heart would not have been whole. I am sooo sooo sad. I keep hoping you'll pop up on chat or I'll run into you doing returns, chat in the break room. I don't completley know who decides who stays and who goes. But letting you go was a mistake, it was too soon. You will now teach and touch so many in heaven. I am glad I have so many there to greet you and they will learn the heart and soul I knew. God Bless your beautiful soul and your awesome family who raised you to have a heart of gold!!
Tricia Scrivener
February 7, 2013
Linda - thinking of you and your family. May sweet memories of Reese bring you comfort.
Jackie Michaud
February 7, 2013
Dear Ben, Linda and Caroline, We are so sorry to hear of Reese's passing. He was an amazing young man. We are so grateful for getting to know him at karate and again at High Road. Sending prayers...May the comfort of His love be yours at this time of sorrow. The world was a better place having had Reese in it. Love, Kathy, Ziggy & Josh Szabat
February 7, 2013
I'm so sad to hear of Reese's passing. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie
Wallingford Eye Assoc.
Debbie Weyel
February 7, 2013
My deepest Condolences to the Blackburn Family. I had the pleasure of knowing Reese even if it was for a short time as his Banker. He touched my life and his stories made me smile. He is a shining example to us all. My heart goes out to the Blackburn Family in this trying time.
Kara Lee
February 7, 2013
We are deeply saddened to hear about Reese's passing. Know that we are praying for all of you! May GOD give you peace, love and comfort during the days ahead.
Love and Prayers,
The Romanski Family
Kim Romanski
February 7, 2013
We were saddened when we heard this news. We've known Reese much of his life. He was strong and brave and endured more than most. We will miss him, and pray God's peace for the family and Reese's friends.
Paul & Elaine Trapp
February 7, 2013
We are so sorry. I saw Reese in the fall in some store in town. We had a nice chat, and I thought he looked great. We cannot know the loss you are feeling. Please know that many thoughts and prayers are being lifted to our Heavenly Father in your behalf. Caroline I want to give you a hug. Along with our condolences, we also send our love. Pat and Cliff
Cliff and Pat Mickett
February 7, 2013
To the family of Reese:
My deepest and sincere condolences. May his memory live on in your hearts giving you comfort and warmth.
Joanna Miller-Gronemeier
February 7, 2013
My most sincere condolences to the Blackburn family. I had the privilege of knowing Reese as a bright-eyed young boy. I'll always remember him for his unwavering positive attitude and forthrightness. His determination to overcome the adversities of his life is an example we should all strive to live up to.
Master John Palmeri
February 7, 2013
I remember the time I was teaching Reese the arts and how lovable and king hearted he is. I was stricken with greif when I got the news. My heart bleeds for yours. I will keep the warm thoughts of Reese in my heart and in there he will forever. It was an honor and joy to have him touch my heart. Reese and like him are the reasons why I taught and still teach to this day. Thank you, Reese, for warming my cold heart.
Master Scott Packard
Scott Packard
February 7, 2013
What a handsome young man. My sympathies to his family and friends. Keep your memories close and he will remain in your heart forever.
A Stranger
February 7, 2013
We are very sorry to hear about Reese's passing. We know that he is with Jesus now. Our prayers are with Ben, Linda, Kat and the extended family.
Rich and Karol Ann Shalvoy
February 6, 2013
To Ben, Linda and Kat. I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up in the same neighborhood as you Ben, and just asked for a FB friendship, to then find out about your deep loss. I wish for you and your family comfort from the love and support we all send to you. Sincerely, Karen Fechter Leggett
Karen Leggett
February 6, 2013
Dear Blackburn family, you don;t know me from Adam, but after reading your son's obituary and researching his rare heart condition, Reese was an amazing young man...how proud you must be....may he live forever in your hearts! God Bless!
February 6, 2013
Linda, my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Michelle Dziubina
February 6, 2013
Dear Reese,
Although I never met you, I know how much your are loved. Your mother, an amazing person and loving mother, told me.
You will be missed.
Carol Martin
February 6, 2013
Reese was an amazing student. He was kind to those around him and made me smile everyday. Sending prayers and love to your family during such a difficult time.
Ms. Lovett
February 6, 2013
I knew you since we were at High Road, and I'll miss you very much! You were one of my good friends, and I know that you're in a happier place now.
Ben Smith
February 6, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Reese at walmart. He was truely an amazing person. My thoughts are with his family at the time.
Anna Booska
February 6, 2013
Reese, it was great to get to know you while you attended jc karate. I believe you taught me more than I ever taught you. Rest in peace my friend..
jennifer couture- kelly
February 6, 2013
I didn't know you well. But I knew you enough to miss you now. Thank you for your smile. And the advice you gave me. I don't really remember what was said. But I remember how you made me feel :) Rest now child of the earth and heavens find peace in the embrace of the gods.
Jackson Getchell
February 5, 2013
Sara Giovanelli
February 5, 2013
Reese. You will truly be missed! You were an amazing person and alwayd will be. I am so happy to have known you and to be friends with you. Your friends and family will always have you in their thoughts. Rest in peace Reese Blackburn!
Sara Giovanelli
February 5, 2013
Rest In Peace Reese. My condolences to the Blackburn family.
Joey Jones
February 5, 2013
Reese,
I was so shocked to hear the news of your passing. You've been in my life since elementary school and stayed there throughout our high school graduation in 2010. I pray that you are finally at rest and without pain. Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face. We will all miss you very, very much.
Jen Thompson
February 5, 2013
I remember how we met in elementary school. We would always play four square with a bunch of other kids at recess. Even though it was the only time you and I really knew each other, I still can't believe that you're not here anymore. I guess it's true, that only the good die young. Rest in peace, you will be missed.
Kyle Miller
February 5, 2013
Kayle Washington
February 5, 2013
Reese, I can't say how much you've impacted my life. I've been in school with you since I moved to Cheshire, and I can honestly say I will never forget your smile or you skipping down the science hall in CHS, or even our political banter across social media. Thank you for being a part of my life. I'm really going to miss you.
Elizabeth Walker
February 5, 2013
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