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Robert Blackwell Obituary
Robert was enlisted in the United States Navy serving his country and the Allied coalition effort in Europe at the rank of Coxswain, from 1943-1946 during The Second World War and extended his enlistment in the Navy reserves until 1954. He also served in the US Coast Guard on the SS John W Brown Steamer 243344 from April to August 1946.
Upon completion of military service, he received a Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University Class of 1950 and Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1954.
His civil service career began as an attorney with the Federal Maritime Board, serving as director for several bureaus within the Federal Maritime Commission. In May 1969 he became Deputy Maritime Administrator and was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Maritime Affairs by President Richard M. Nixon in 1971. He continued as Deputy Assistant Secretary during the duration of the Ford Administration and into the Carter Administration until 1979, spanning three Presidents of the United States.
Following his career in government, he began private practice with Bogle & Gates before becoming Founding Partner at Sher & Blackwell, LLP until his retirement.
Robert married his beloved Mary Anne Ryan on October 16, 1954, in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts.
He is survived by his children Robert Jr. (Nancy) and Jeanne; his grandchildren Ryan, Evan (Shelbie) and Tara, his great-grandchildren Noah and Alice. He will be missed by his granddog Tia Maria.
Services will be held on February 29, 2024, in Florida with viewing at 10:30 a.m. followed by a graveside service with military honors. Services are open to the public wishing to pay respects.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the following organizations.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Loxahatchee FL https://www.bdrr.org/donation-form
Clinics Can Help, West Palm Beach FL https://www.clinicscanhelp.org/donate/
The Washington International Piano Arts Council, Washington, DC
https://www.wipac.org/Paypal/PaypalDonations%20Button.html
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/west-palm-beach-fl/robert-blackwell-11671023
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Blackwell
2 Entries
Dawn Pefley
February 27, 2024
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Bob. I worked with him at Sher & Blackwell until he retired. He and Mary Anne were such generous, kind people. They will be sorely missed.
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A Neighbor
February 26, 2024
I am sorry to learn this and sorry for the family's loss. I lived near the Blackwells and remember him as a wonderfully charming man.
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