John Blackwood
August 16, 1949 - February 13, 2025
John Blackwood, of Newark, Delaware, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the age of 75. John was born on August 16, 1949, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Charles and Ruth (Mills) Blackwood. John married his beloved wife, Louise VanSyckel Blackwood on April 9, 1977.
John was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he served for 26 years. His commitment reflected his dedication and love for his country. He worked as a Teflon technician at Edlon Inc. in Avondale, Pennsylvania for thirty years.
John enjoyed gardening, fishing, and relaxing at the beach. He was an avid sports fan and closely followed the Atlanta Braves and Green Bay Packers with great enthusiasm. He was also a dedicated member of his community, serving as an assistant softball coach at Delaware Technical and Community College for four years and as an umpire for Newark Parks and Recreation for 19 years.
Above all, John cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, and he held the memories of his time with them dear to his heart.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruth Blackwood; and sister, Jane Rucks. He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Blackwood; daughter, Amanda Gordon; brother, George Blackwood; grandchildren, Bryson and Olivia Gordon; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A committal service will begin at 11 am on Friday, February 28, 2025, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate John’s life and legacy. John will be missed by all who knew him and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
Ann Brazil-Coffey
I am so sorry for your loss, John and I went to school together and did see John at the class reunion and was introduced to you as well. I am praying for you and the family.
EJ Halton
I loved Senior Chief and his stoic nature. But I loved it even more when he would break that nature and let out a belly laugh or rub his hands together after a Navy touchdown. I always admired his friendship with my father and that was one of the reasons I wanted to join the Navy to be able to make life long friends similar to what my dad has with Uncle John and Aunt Wiz. I will forever miss him but will do my best to keep his memory alive through stories and doing my best to be the supportive friend and uncle he always was to me.
Elaine Warren
I pray for comfort and inner peace for Johnny’s family and loved ones. May his memory live on in your hearts.
John Totuszynski
I met John Blackwood. I was in the Navy back at 1972 where shipmates at the mine shop and we did a lot of crazy things back then we’ll miss seeing him. Godspeed Fairwinds and following seas
Judy Miller & Robin Abbott
To the family: We are so sorry for your loss. May God hold you in His arms during this difficult time. John was a good man and loved his family. That was very clear. He had such a kind nature. We are blessed to have known him for the short time we did. RIP John. Until we meet again. God bless.
Ruth Eastburn
Louise, I am so sorry for your loss. John was such a good person and a wonderful employee at Edlon. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless. Ruth Eastburn
Jill Lucas
Louise, Amanda, Bryson, Oliva,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss watching the fireworks on July 4th with you and John. I will always remember John and Bryson–the farmers planting their tomatoes and zucchini. John was quiet, but his smile said everything. His family was his world. Sending Prayers your way.
Theresa Hughes
Dear Louise and Amanda, I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Please know that you are in my prayers as you grieve this great loss. Remembering John fondly from all those years ago. In sympathy, Theresa
Ernest Halton
John, Seniorchief, Senior was one of the few men that I respected most in the world! While we started out as shipmates, over time he and his family became my family, and mine his. While we spent many hours traveling and being together, John never ran out of stories to tell. Even after knowing each other for over 40 years, he still had new stories to tell. While I’ll miss watching all kinds of sports together, especially Navy football games, I’m going to miss most seeing the depth of love he had for all of his family and friends. Senior BZ, well done, on a life well lived and for all the wonderful memories!!
regina jenkins
John, I still can’t believe you have left us.. So very sorry we couldn’t get up to say farewell, but our thoughts and hearts were there with Wiz, Amanda, Bryson, Olivia and Big E. Wiz our hearts are aching for you but he left us all with so many great memories. May your coming days be filled with peace and comfort when you think of these many memories. Love you guys!!
Greg and Regina