Frederick W. Blackman, 94, of East Pharsalia NY passed away peacefully on April 7, 2018 at home with his loving family caring for him. He was born on December 14, 1923 in Plymouth, the oldest son of William and Ceta Cobb Blackman.

On November 25, 1942 he married Bertha Louise Manwarren in New Berlin NY in a double wedding ceremony with his sister and future brother-in-law, June Blackman and Stewart Manwarren.

He joined the Army in January 1943 and served in Central Europe and was honorably discharged on October 20, 1945. He received several medals, including Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victor Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and others.

Fred worked at the Norwich Pharmacal Co print shop, which was later sold to Mid-York Press, and he worked in printing for 40 years (1946 to 1985).

Fred and Bertha lived in Preston for many years and spent their winters at their home in Summerfield FL. For the last thirteen years they lived in East Pharsalia.

He was an honorary member of the Preston and Pharsalia Fire Departments. He was instrumental in organizing the Preston Fire Dept in l957.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and especially their camp at Bradley Brook. He was an excellent carpenter. He was a hard working man and was always willing to help anyone. He was devoted to his wife and dearly loved his sons and their wives, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.

He is survived by three sons, and their wives, Larry & Jean Blackman, Donnie & Rosie Blackman and Milt & Ginny Blackman; four granddaughters, Renee & Troy Setford, Tonya & Eric Brownell, Tammy and Drew DeForest and Heather Blackman; eight great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jordan & Ella Setford, Mary-Clare Brownell, Colton & Mary Beth Young, Tyler & Ryan Crandall, and a new great-great-granddaughter, Scarlett Louise Young, born in February 2018, making five generations.
Also, three sisters, Helen Markham, June Manwarren and Grace Franklin; two brothers, Lester Blackman and Leslie and Joyce Blackman, and brother-in-law, Melvin “Doc” Manwarren.

He lost his wife of nearly 75 years, Bertha Blackman, on August 26, 2017. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Myrtle Horton and Doris Crandall, and his brothers, Carl, Art and Leonard Blackman and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful ladies from Hospice for their assistance and compassionate care provided to our loved one. He will be greatly missed by us all.

Family and friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N Broad St, Norwich on Saturday, April 14th from 10 p.m. until the time of the funeral at 12:00.

Burial will be at a later date in the Riverview Cemetery, Oxford NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pharsalia Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 41, East Pharsalia NY 13758, or the Preston Fire Department, 124 County Rd 19, Oxford, NY 13830, or Hospice & Pallative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St, Norwich, NY 13815.