Charles Blackwell Obituary (2021)

Charles Blackwell Sr., 57, entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Hartford Hospital with his loving family by his side. Charles was the youngest son of the late Luther and Hattie Blackwell of Kenbridge, VA. He graduated from J. M. Wright Technical High School, and it was his serious and curious demeanor that earned him the nickname "Professor". He loved computer technology and to him using a computer was just like an artist working with a paint brush. It was this love that led him into the Information Technology world. He obtained certification in Client-Server Development from Gateway Community and Technical College and a Bachelors Degree, Information Technology from Strayer University. He held positions centered around this love; Senior Application Developer, Senior Java Developer and Software Engineer at Pitney Bowes, Wellpoint (Anthem), UnitedHealth Group, Virtusa, and Tempus Technologies, Inc. Just as he had a love for computers, he had a love for his country. He served in the Army National Guard straight out of high school. Upon exiting the National Guard, he courted and later married, Charlene Cummings, his high school sweetheart in 1989. This union produced a beautiful son, Charles Blackwell, Jr. Charles was also known for his great sense of humor. Whenever he was present you could be guaranteed he would do or say something to make you laugh. His laughter, smile, and thought-provoking conversations were his calling card. He was a good friend to so many and developed many life-long friendships and special bonds which included Victor Noad, Richard Carter, and Kenneth Smith. Charles was a spiritual man whose quiet faith guided his actions, words, and deeds. He loved his family and friends. He is predeceased by Joseph and Gardenia (Montgomery) Rice (foster parents); four brothers; Rodney Blackwell, Michael Blackwell, Mark Blackwell, Lawrence Blackwell, and one sister; Shirley (Blackwell) Folson. He is survived by his son Charles Blackwell Jr. of New Haven, CT and siblings; Jack White (Iris) of York, PA; Nancy Blackwell-Todd (Ocie) of Bridgeport, CT; Luther Blackwell Jr. (Sharon) of New Haven, CT; Ruby Patricia Blackwell-Hall (Larnzie-deceased) of Stamford, CT; Christine Blackwell-Dickson (Charles-deceased) of Springfield, MO; Elizabeth Blackwell of Stratford, CT; Jennifer Blackwell-Berrios (Michael) of Deltona, FL; sister-in-law, Rachel Baker-Blackwell (Lawrence-deceased) of Boynton Beach, FL; aunt; Arlean (Morrison) Smith of Kenbridge, VA; extended siblings; Vanessa Montgomery of Stamford, CT; Deborah Williams of Kuwait City, Kuwait; Anthony Williams of San Francisco, CA; Jennifer Williams of Bristol, CT; former spouse, Charlene (Cummings) Blackwell of New Haven, CT; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, additional extended family members, and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11:00am at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport 126 Washington Ave Bridgeport, CT 06604. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00am until time of service. Internment will be at the Mount Grove Cemetery 2675 North Ave Bridgeport, CT 06604 You are invited to view the celebration of the life of Charles Blackwell on Friday, Oct 15, 2021 @ 10:00AM for the viewing and @ 11:00AM for the service.Please join the live-streamed celebration of life, by clicking the link below or by copying & pasting the link below into your web address bar: Click HERE to view the home-going service for Charles Blackwell https://www.cr-rentals.com/live-stream Visitation First Baptist Church Bridgeport Friday, October 15, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 126 Washington Ave Bridgeport, CT 06604 Funeral Service First Baptist Churchh Bridgeport Friday, October 15, 2021 11:00 AM 126 Washington Ave Bridgeport, CT 06604 Interment MT. Grove Cemetery Bridgeport Friday, October 15, 2021 2675 North Ave BRIDGEPORT, CT 06605