Robert Blackwell
1936 - 2017
Robert Blackwell
1936 - 2017
Obituary
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Robert Blackwell Obituary
Robert was a well-educated man. Not only did he win many spelling bees as a teenager but he also excelled in his pursuit of higher education. Robert attended Bates College where he received a Liberal Arts degree and Rutgers where he earned his Masters in Library Science. This fueled a passionate 42 year career as a Librarian in Newark New Jersey and also led to many years of volunteer work at the Portland Public Library.
When Robert wasn't nosing around in any of the many books he had access to, you could often times find him playing an active role within the Clark Memorial Methodist Church either as a member of the choir or the treasurer.
Robert is survived by his brother, Peter Blackwell, of South Portland Maine.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 18th from 10-11 followed by a service at 11 at Jones, Rich & Barnes 199 Woodford Street Portland Maine. Burial at Pine Grove will immediately follow the service.
Arrangements under the direction of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, Portland, ME.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
George Hawley
June 8, 2017
Bob was the backbone of our statewide New Jersey reference services. His knowledge of Newark was encyclopedic and unfailing even after 11 years of retirement. Bob stayed calm, cheerful and supportive even when the work pace was hectic. He would gladly research and proofread for others without seeking recognition for himself.
(Statement of the supervisor of Newark Public Library's New Jersey Information Center.)
May 19, 2017
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a lovely man. No one at the Newark Public Library ever had a bad word to say about him. My condolences to his family.
Joanne Tricarico
Elizabeth, NJ
Aron and Cindy Storck
May 18, 2017
Peter- So sad to read of Robert's passing. Brothers are special people in one's life and we share your loss. So glad my dad and I got to connect with you both 2 years ago. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
May 18, 2017
Peter,
I remember meeting you and Robert when I was a teenager and remember your dad, Leon and mother Barbara. My Dad, Warren Blackwell was your first cousin. I'm thinking of you today and was sorry to hear the news about Robert.
Ruth Blackwell Horwitch
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Candace Henriksson
May 17, 2017
Dear Peter,
May your heart soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. For the past seven years, I volunteered with Bob at the Portland Public Library. He was more than a colleague. He became a good and kind friend. I will miss him, and will try to always remember the good times that we shared working together.
Ms. L.
May 17, 2017
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was an excellent librarian, truly an asset to the Newark Public Library.
Condolences to family and friends.
Ann Miele
May 17, 2017
A wonderful, wonderful man. So many happy memories from our days at the Newark Public Library.
Ann Miele Caldwell, N.J.
Mark Usinger
May 17, 2017
My deepest sympathies from a fellow Rutgers College graduate.
Mark Usinger RC'77
Tom A.
May 17, 2017
Bob was such a nice man. He visited the Newark Public Library twice a year, and was always warm and gracious. I will miss him.
Tyler
May 17, 2017
To the Robert Leon Blackwell family I'm sorry for the loss of your love one, may the loving support of your family and friends and prayers sustain you through this very difficult time.Read Matt.11:28-30
Nancy and Wright Faatz
May 17, 2017
Peter, Wright and I were saddened to read of Bob's passing. We remember him well and have fond memories of him and your entire family, Uncle Leon, Aunt Barbara and her Dad, as well as yourself and Bob. Our thoughts are with you today and always.
Wright and Nancy Blackwell Faatz
Margot McCain
May 17, 2017
Dear Peter,
I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing and extend my condolences to you and his loved ones.
I worked with Bob in the Portland Room and enjoyed his calming presence there. There was something authentic, sweet and untouched about him that evoked an automatic trust. I always admired his serene sense of self, his great willingness to be of service and his upbeat and positive nature. He was a rarity in this day and age and I know he will be missed.
With warm regards,
Margot McCain
Class of 1954 Deering High School
May 17, 2017
Deepest sympathy from the Class of '54 Deering High School.
Rosanne & Steve Graef
May 17, 2017
Dear Peter,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Bob and know that we are thinking of you.
Always, Rosanne & Steve
May 17, 2017
Sorry to hear about Robert's passing. We were not close, but he was my first cousin. He was one smart man. Thinking of you, Peter, during this time, Joanne Blackwell Conley.
Brad Fogg
May 16, 2017
I was a shock for me to read that Bob has passed away. I learned at Easter that he had been injured but did not think it was as serious as it turned out to be and am now sorry that I did not visit him at New England Rehab. He was quite close to my Dad and mom. I enjoyed the visits that we had and in hindsight wish I had had more of them. I will miss him. My most heartfelt condolences to Peter and the rest of the extended family.
May 15, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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