Alan Philip Blackburn

Alan Philip Blackburn, 68, of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 16, 2026, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 15, 1957, in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, England, to Raymond and Barbara Blackburn, Alan lived a life defined by dedication, expertise, and service.

In 1977, Alan moved to St Mawgan, Cornwall, beginning a distinguished career with the Royal Air Force. After completing his training at Cosford, he worked in the avionics bay on the Nimrod MR1, demonstrating the technical skill and precision that would define his professional life.

In July 1978, he married Nicole Pousson, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and commitment. Together they raised three children: Natasha, born in Cornwall in 1979; Bjorn, born in Ashington in 1981; and Aaron, born in Gütersloh, Germany, in 1987.

Throughout his military career, Alan served with distinction across the United Kingdom and abroad. His work specialized in avionics and navigation systems for the Sea King, Wessex, and Chinook helicopters. His service included a 1983 deployment to the Falkland Islands and a promotion to Sergeant in 1984 while posted to Finningley. Between 1989 and 1995 at RAF Odiham, he served as a Chinook ASF Trade Manager and was deployed to Cyprus in support of operations during the First Gulf War, contributing to low-level flight operations for extractions in Beirut and Lebanon. In 1995 he emigrated to the United States with the rank of Chief Technician.

Alan was posted to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to work with the Royal Air Force at Boeing in Ridley Park. Following his retirement from the RAF, he continued his career with Boeing as a Field Service Engineer. His work took him internationally to Taiwan, Singapore and India before he eventually settled in Philadelphia as a permanent resident.

Alan was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He provided a remarkable life for his family from humble beginnings, and his strength and knowledge left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole Blackburn; his children, Natasha, Bjorn (Jasmine), and Aaron (Alicia); his grandchildren, Ayanna (Vinny), Lennon, Luna, Lucas, Levi, Maverick, and Lee; his siblings, Janice Bailey (John) and Raymond Blackburn (June); brother in-law Janvier (Darren) and his niece and nephews, Iain, Martin, Duncan, Lee, Abby, Nicholas and David.

Relatives and Friends are invited to his Viewing, Tuesday March 24, 2026, 10:30 AM- 11:45 AM followed by his Funeral Service 12 NOON in the Chapel at the D'Anjolell Barone Memorial Home of Wallingford, 908 S. Providence Road, Wallingford, PA 19086. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Colon Cancer research fund at Penn Medicine.

The Royal Air Force motto, Per Ardua ad Astra-"Through adversity to the stars"-reflects the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. He will remain forever in our hearts.

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