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Christopher Joseph Blackwell
Christopher Joseph Blackwell
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Christopher Blackwell Obituary
Christopher J. Blackwell liked life on the edge.
"He was interested in anything that was dangerous," his mother, Frances Allen, said. "He was born with no sense of fear. When he was little he would swim underwater before he would swim on top of it. My other three children were a lot easier."
A fireman for 20 years, he was assigned to Rescue Company 3 in the South Bronx. He was a specialist in collapsed buildings, and gave lectures on the topic to firefighters across the country. Like many of his colleagues, he had a genetic connection to his profession: his uncle had been a captain in the New York Fire Department. His father and a grandfather were both policemen.
When he was not on the job, Firefighter Blackwell, 42, devoted his time to his wife, Jane, and their three children, Alexandra, who is 15, Ryan, 13, and Samantha, 11. "He didn't care where we were going or what we were doing," Mrs. Blackwell said. "When he wasn't working, he wanted to spend time with the family."
He had a high-risk job, but Firefighter Blackwell "wasn't reckless," his wife said. He loved doing what he did. His mother added, "He lived and died with purpose."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frank Reyes
September 21, 2021
Chris and others who have died, are Respectfully remembered by others along with myself, each year! My Condolences to Family, Friends and Co-workers! God bless
Jessica E.
September 19, 2021
Thinking of your family on this 20th anniversary. Rest in Peace. You are not forgotten!
Pege Payne
September 2, 2021
Remembering Chris today, coming close to the 20th anniversary. What a great man. I am always proud to say .....he was my friend. Rest in peace Chrisâ¤
Cindy Roe
September 1, 2021
Remembering Christopher on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
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Joseph Adanms
August 4, 2021
Chris was a paramedic who moonlighted with the Ridgefield CT FD before the department went full compliment of department paramedic/firefighters. I was a volunteer EMT with Ridgefield and Chris taught me most of my skills. He is surely missed.
Frank Reyes
September 14, 2020
EVERY Year, I try to remember Chris when WE worked together at Company " A " in New Fairfield, Connecticut. He was a Great man then, and still is a GREAT man now !! A Hero along with ALL who have lost their Lives that day in History and may God rest their souls and continue to give Peace to their Family, Friends, and others who knew them. I am a Retired Federal Officer still ( 15 + years now ) living in South Carolina !! God Bless !!
Robert Valente
September 12, 2020
God Bless you will never be forgotten my friend... You friend from Ball Pond Vol. Fire Dept..
Jessica E.
September 11, 2020
Thinking of your family! Rest in Heaven!
Mark Longo
September 11, 2020
Rest In Peace Chris.
A Canadian
October 26, 2019
RIP to a brave firefighter who lost his life on September 11, 2001
Frank Reyes
September 14, 2019
Every year on Facebook, I will write/ mention, my past fellow Firefighter/EMT, Chris ( during our Fire Dept. Co. ** A ** New Fairfield, Conn. days - before and after Wilber Freeborn made Chief and Chris's Dad was still a Police officer as was I ( Federal )). Chris was Very Professional, Serious about the job and taught me a lot, and, a Great man then and NOW !! RIP brother !!
Robert Valente
September 13, 2019
Chris you will never forget what you gave . God Bless my old friend ....
Dennis Farrenkopf
September 12, 2019
Chris and family you are always in my thoughts. Thank you for your service and your time with Stony Hill Fire.
Pege Payne
September 12, 2019
We will never forget
Jessica Evans
September 11, 2019
Thinking of your friends and family! #weremember RIP
Mary Gubanc
June 8, 2019
Chris, I did a 5k walk today and proudly wore your picture in memory. Your light will always Shine in the U.S.A. it was the Tunnel to Tower walk in McMinnville, TN.
Del Newberry
December 18, 2017
Thanks for your service. I will be praying for your friends and family. Love from Texas,
Always will remember
Dennis Farrenkopf
September 12, 2017
Chris, think of you often. You are pictured at the fire house and always say hi. Thanks for what you did for us at the fire house and a big thanks for rushing in to help the folks at the towers.
Pege Payne
September 12, 2017
Chris..another year gone by....you will never be forgotten....year by year I find more people who knew of your kindness and bravery....miss you
September 12, 2017
Chris we will never forget you my friend , God Bless. Bob Valente
Jessica E
September 11, 2017
We still remember!
Doreen Steinberg
September 2, 2017
As of today 9/2/2017 I have a bond with you from a bracelet I got today with your name on it. I now have a connection with you. With no planning your name is on my wrist. I like you was a volunteer first aided in wayne n.j. And a ER technician at Chilton Hospital. I also responded to the WTC and will never forget the sight and smell. For some reason you came into my life, I wish I knew why but I'm sure I was meant to find you.
Please lead me to a purpose to help your family or extended family or interest.
God bless, Doreen Steinberg
I completed 114 flights in gear at the St Augustine parking garage because I remember. I carry his pic on my helmet
Joe Romani
September 11, 2016
Matt Calnan
September 11, 2016
I just finished the annual Denver memorial stair climb in honor of Christopher along with 12 other members of my department. These men and women will not be forgotten and my thoughts and prayers are always with their families and friends.
September 11, 2016
I'm sorry for the loss of this courageous person, a true American hero.
Cindie Bierbaum
September 11, 2016
As a former resident of New Fairfield I feel a special bond to the Blackwell family. My family (the James') knew Officer Don Blackwell and his family. It's been 15 years since that horrible day and I just want you all to know Chris is gone but not forgotten. The true definition of an American hero and I am grateful for his service and sacrifice. I am sorry for your loss and think of you all often and pray that you have found peace in knowing that Chris is watching over you all.
Priscilla Molina
September 11, 2016
Today was Disneyland CA first annual 9/11 memorial walk. Although I didn't know you I want to thank you for yo5u service and your sacrifice! Your truly a hero! God bless the Blackwell family
Priscilla Molina
September 11, 2016
Pege Cyr
September 11, 2016
15 years.... WOW.. .... I for one will always remember your bright eyes and captivating smile....
Mary Ellen & Greg Hall
September 10, 2016
To our Immaculate classmate, you are not forgotten. Prayers to your family.
Michael Brown
September 10, 2016
I heard about Christopher Blackwell through the CT fire academy cadet program I just want to let you know he will never been forgotten and will always be seen as a hero through my eyes
Robert Roemer
September 18, 2015
I carried Chris a few years ago at the annual stair climb in Lancaster Pennsylvania. This year I carried Raymond meisenheimer and gerry shrang. I have carried all of the rescue 3 crew. They will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are always with their families and friends. I hope I can do the climb in New York city in October. Carry everyone I have carried over the years at every climb and every September 11.
Pege Minck-Cyr
September 12, 2015
Thank you again. You are a Hero. And a role model to so many. Rest in peace dear friend
September 11, 2015
Rest in peace Chris, you walked the walk and talked the talk. I still remeber our days at Homestead AFB as young FFS. Jerry , Phx. FD
September 11, 2015
From your Irish relatives, we hope you are resting easy. God bless you.
lynn purdy
September 8, 2015
Never forgotten. To an American Hero.
Jessica Evans
September 8, 2015
Still thinking of your family!
Rest in Peace
Frank Reyes
September 7, 2015
Yet another year as arrived my friend for us to pay our Respect and Honor you and others that God has called home to his Kingdom! I still remember our days @ Co. "A", New Fairfield, Conn.! Thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends!
Tatyana Pyzhov
September 6, 2015
I am honored to climb for you this year in the Wichita 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.
February 14, 2015
I never knew you but you were my grandfather's second cousin. Let me just say that you were a hero. We will never forget.
P
January 28, 2015
Chris I know that heaven is a much better place with you in it.May God hold you in the palm of his hand.I think of you quite often.I will see you again someday my friend.
Bob Valente
January 26, 2015
God bless you Chris , may you watch over us from up their with God, I went to school with Chris in 1975 and knew his dad Officer Don Blackwell a good man as well. Thanks for all you did Chris R.I.P. My old friend .
Steve Cabelus
September 12, 2014
May god continue to bless you Chris!
Donna and John Coster
September 11, 2014
We knew your father many years ago and just learned of your passing on 9/11. We are sadened and send love and sympathy to your family.
Shirley Allore
September 11, 2014
Today I hear your name readin memorial ceremony..May you know you impacted life then and now....My maiden name is Blackwell ..name I am so proud to own..
G Bryan
November 23, 2013
Thank you for lending me your strength and courage today.
Pege Minck-Cyr
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you today and honoring all you did for our country. It is wonderful to know we all have a special Angel looking over us. Bless you and your family!
Joe Romani
September 10, 2013
I still remember and speak of Chris with honor to all my probies and senior guys.
Laura
September 10, 2013
In remembrance of 9/11
Barbara Boam
June 12, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #199) on 3/21/13 as a dedication to your life.
Pege Minck-Cyr
January 19, 2013
What wonderful words written about my friend Chris. I think of him often and fondly.
Bill Seward
January 18, 2013
Even though its 2013, my thoughts often turn to this FDNY member coming onto the ice surface at the Northford, CT Ice Pavillion to check on a potential injury to a player in a Ct Polar Bears hockey game. as a USA Hockey official and member of the New Haven, CT Fire Department, I had the opportunity to meet Chris Blackwell. little did I realize that he had also taught a technical rescue class at the NH Fire Academy a few years earlier where I served as the Commanding Officer of the Academy. Over the years I refereed his daughters games during the Christman Tourney and recall his wife watching the games with another retired FDNY member that taught with Chris. Following the 9/11 event I worked for FEMA at the WTC and missed the services for Chris; all I can say is that may he rest in peace and his family one day meet him again.
Katie Brown
November 4, 2012
My name is Katie Brown and I ran in the Hero Rush obstacle course race in Ocala, FL. on Nov. 3, 2012. It was my honor to represent Christopher whose name was on my runners bib.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Andrew Vadquez
September 16, 2012
hello in 2005 at my church we all recieved a name of those that served on 9/11 my is Christopher Joseph Blackwell and have been in rememberence every year of his bravery on duty HONOR!
Jessica E.
September 16, 2012
I did not know Mr. Blackwell personally. I found out about him through the Remember Me virtual event on Facebook. He was one of the five I picked to remember. Please know that we REMEMBER your loved one. God Bless You.
Joe Romani
September 11, 2012
I am on the job in Florida and was in my rookie year when 9/11 happened. I was at Chris's funeral and I want the family to know that I still remember and will continue to. RFB PTB
Dennis Farrenkopf
September 11, 2012
I had the opportunity to work along side Chris at the Stony Hill FD in Bethel. He was a great help to us. We miss him. God bless this great country of ours.
Irene Ingraham
May 8, 2012
We lived in New Fairfield from 1994-2011. We all know the story of Chris Blackwell, his life, bravery, death and great love of family and service. We raised four children in CT and I recently returned to NF with one of them so she could visit friends. I visited Mountainview Cemetary and paid my respects at the stone with the firefighter helmet atop marking Chris' gravesite. I pray for his family, esp. his children, as they live out their lives. My own Father died when I was 16 and he is always with me as I know Chris is with each of you. I am sad that he died and also so thankful that he lived.
May 3, 2012
I have worked with Chris at Grand Union, and went to school with him, he was always a great and caring guy.If you look up Hero in my book, His name is there.
Sara
May 2, 2012
I have been given the opportunity to go to New York for a school field trip. I have been given your name to research and I am enjoying all the wonderful things I am finding out about you. God Bless you and your family. Thank you for your service towards our country. May you rest in peace.
Caroline Hill
October 3, 2011
I did not have the fortune of knowing Christopher Blackwell, but our family held a placard with his name on it at the SF Giants stadium during a ceremony in honor of all those who lost their lives on the 10th anniversary of September 11th. I wanted to see who Mr. Blackwell was and have appreciated reading about his wife, children and those who loved him. Thank you for your many years of service and rest in peace. Blessings to your family.
September 13, 2011
As a Realtor friend of Chris's Mom, Fran,I remember Chris and his family in our thoughts and prayers each year and this year on the 10th Anniversary I believe I saw his daughter read his name at the new Memorial on Sunday. You must all be so proud. I will continue to remember Chris and family in the year ahead. May God bless America and all who fight and make our Country the place to be. Best wishes, Marilyn Caravetta
Frank Reyes
September 12, 2011
I remember this Brave Hero from my days at Company "A" New Fairfield, Conn.. There was a very large Resue Truck in the 1st.bay on the left of the Firehouse as you faced the building that Chris was attending to and you can notice that love and care that he had for that truck and the job. We talked from time to time and I had learned to Respect the man and his Great knowledge of Fire fighting. We did some Ambulance runs together and his Professional work ethics were Outstanding. His expressed friendship to me and others came from his heart.I shall continue to keep Chris, his family, and all the other 9/11 victims in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Faye Seiders
September 11, 2011
Today our Church East Side Lutheran in Sioux Falls SD remembered those of the tragedy of 9/11.
Chris was the one I was given to honor and pray for him, his family and friends. I feel this was a great honor for me. May God continue to Bless Chris and all of you.
Dan Rutter
September 11, 2011
Today, my son, a firefighter/Paramedic carried a picture of Christopher while participating in the 9/11 Memorial Denver Stair Climb. My wife and I want to tell you of our sorrow for your loss and to thank you for his service.
Heather Ryan
September 11, 2011
Chris. You are missed as much today as when we first lost you. You are the definition of a true Hero. I will never forget what you did...... God Bless you and your family. You will always remain in my prayers.
Pege Cyr
September 11, 2011
10 years - WOW. Thinking of you and your family today. I know they have a special angel looking down upon them today and every day!
You will NEVER be forgotten
Lynn Kosach-Purdy
September 11, 2011
There is not a 9-11 that goes by when I do not think of you.
Remember always.
Felix Chen
September 11, 2011
It was great to see your Alexandra remembering each person in the reading at the memorial in her Police Department uniform - following in your footsteps of heroism.
Steve Cabelus
September 11, 2011
Hi Chris, it has been ten years... seems like yesterday... Thinking about you and your family... you are a true hero!
September 10, 2011
I knew you from Immaculate High school, and I heard of your passing in the tradgedy of9/11/01. God Bless you and your family, and your service to our country. Mary Ellen (Garavel)Hall'IHS/75 & Greg Hall IHS/74
pamela cassidy
September 10, 2011
Chris, we went to school together in grammer school and High school I always admired you and always will,miss ya. Pam cassidy
April 13, 2011
r i p love
Pege Cyr
September 13, 2010
Another year has gone by. Thinking of you and your family today. Just learned that Ryan is a firefighter also - you must be so proud.
You will never be forgotten!
Shelly Grumbo
September 11, 2010
God Bless you and your family
Steve Cabelus
September 11, 2010
Thinking about you and your family on this day. God bless you Chris
September 7, 2010
A true Hero. Never to be forgotten.
Lynn Kosach-Purdy
Lynne Pollak
September 23, 2009
Chris,
You and Jane were the so helpful in teaching me when I became an EMT. I only saw you both at practicals but you taught me how to do things the right way. I would see you a BSI and around the ER and always admired you. You really knew everything. You and your family will always be in my prayers. Thank you for all you taught me. God Bless. Lynne
September 11, 2009
I'm still having trouble believing that you're gone, but I've never forgotten you.
May God bless you and your family, Chris.
Steve Cabelus
September 11, 2009
Chris, I wanted to say that I'm thinking about you and your family on this day. I am reminded of the ultimate sacrifice we face in public safety. And I am inspired to live my life to the fullest. Thank you... and god bless you.
Cindy
September 11, 2009
Chris,
You are truly an american hero and a hero to everyone who knew and loved you.
May your soul be somewhere special with the rest of the incredible people we lost that day.
Heart breaking...
Pam and Bob Paugh
September 11, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Paughs
Bronwen Cromwell
September 11, 2009
It seems like yesterday that we chatted and you smiled on your way out the door at the end of your Medic shift on your way to your FF shift . That was the last time we saw you, The next morning you were gone.
Never forgotten..............
Shelly Grumbo
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you today 9/11/09
Pege Cyr
September 11, 2009
Chris - Just a note again this year to let you know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you for all you did. I am sure your are a bright shinning star watching us all!
Pege
Thomas Coop
October 7, 2008
Chris was a young man just going into the Airforce when I first meet him at a meeting at the New Faifield Vol Fire Co. A. He was driven to be the best a Fire Fighter or Paramedic He was always there to help.
Pege Cyr
September 12, 2008
Chris
Just a note to let you know that every day - especially today - you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. And again - thank you for all you have done for your country and - really - every one you came in contact with. I will never forget the New Fairfield Carnival and your kind sweet nature.
God Bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.
joe pascento 3
September 11, 2008
blackwells always in my heart and thoughts proud to call you friends
Daniel Tonto
September 11, 2008
Chris,
I think about you and that day everyday, especially this year. I visited Ground Zero in June. You mentored me and made me a better paramedic and a better person. I often look at the book that all of you gave me when I moved to Flordia. I pause and pray when I get to your picture and comments. It brings back great memories of you and our team. You are a TRUE AMERICAN HERO!!! Our families knew each other when we were growing up and I remember meeting you when I was young. We went to the same high school, although you graduated before I started, but everyone knew who you were. I'm just grateful we had a chance to get to know one other and work together once I became a paramedic. I always looked up to you . . . you will never be forgotten.
dan
Tom Corbett
September 10, 2008
Jane,
Tomorrow is 7 years. I have not had the courage or really know how to express how terrible Sue and I feel or how much Chris meant to us. I am sorry for that.
It is pretty obvious by all the other entries that Chris meant a great deal to several people, some he didn't even know.
Along with everyone else, we will always be there for you.
Chris,
I miss you, we all miss you. The Medi-Chair and BSI days are always in my memory. I learned alot from you and the best medics were in the early BSI days. A lot of sick and injured people did not fair well after that day because you were not there to take care of them.
I often think about one time when we were talking and you said you would like to come ride with me when I worked at Wallingford Fire Dept. I was surprised especially since you worked in the city but you told me you wanted to see how we worked. That is the kind of person you are - equal, caring and a true brother and friend.
I miss you. God bless you, Jane, Alex, Ryan and Sam.
Tom
Doug Abraham
April 17, 2008
God Bless all of the firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice that horrible day!!!
Jeanne King
September 11, 2007
We've been praying for you and your family today, Chris. May you rest in peace. Thank you for your bravery.
Gary Pinkham
September 11, 2007
Chris: We never met, but I had the privilege of watching you work with the rest of Rescue 3 while buffing in the Bronx. I have however, met your son Ryan. He was with a group of fire cadets visiting "The Fire Museum" here in Connecticut. He is a very smart, "squared away" young man who is very focused on his future. He brought me to tears when he told me that "there will be another Blackwell in the FDNY!"
How proud you must be of him, and what a fine father he had to look up to. You are all in our thoughts and prayers... Never Forget!
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