Richard D Blackman Jr.

RICHARD DALE BLACKMAN JR.Dick went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2009 at home after a courageous battle with Hodgkin?s Lymphoma. He was born on December 2, 1961 in Cortland.At the age of 18, he joined the Harford Volunteer Fire Dept. He graduated from Dryden High School and married in 1980. Dick was proud to serve as chief, officer, EMT, and as the Town Justice. He gave his heart to the community that had given so much to him. Being a part of a celebration that wasfreeto the community, the food pantry, Good Neighbor Fund and church are among things he enjoyed.He lived and breathed Harford; to Dick, Harford was HIS TOWN.

He began working on his Uncle Garrett VanDeWeert?s farm with his cousins, John and Joe. He loved working in the field. During his illness, Dick continued to find joy working on the tractor. It was his true passion. Dick worked for The Town of Harford Highway Dept. with his friend Gordon Leete and then went to work for Cross Excavation; he loved the outdoors and people he met, but was most thankful to Daryl and Melinda Cross for the opportunity to work with them and theirfriendship. He last worked at Caskey?s Garage as Shop Supervisor where he made many more friends. The friendships he made along the way were as important to him as was the income to support his family.

Dick was most proud of his kids. He instilled in them the belief that family comes first by leading by example and supported their endeavors and adored being a grandfather. Dick was predeceased by his father, Richard Sr., step-mother, Linda, and sister Lynda Kay.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Ann Carman Blackman, daughter Tina (Jeff), son Robert (Jessica), grandchildren, Andrew, Catherine, and Richard; his mother, Elaine (Jim) Fergus; sisters, Kathleen (Bruce) Terry, Laura (Jerry) Houghton, Kimberly Parr, and Chandra Huff; brothers, Thomas (Sandy) Bennink, and Lance Williams; his best friend, Garret John (Patti) VanDeWeert; and a large extended family.

Funeral Services to be held at 11 AM Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at the Perkins Funeral Home, Dryden with Rev. Archie Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Harford Mills Cemetery. Friends are invited to call from 5 to 8 PM Monday at the funeral home, 55 West Main St., Dryden. The family invites you to join them in an informal gathering at the Harford Town Hall Tuesday after the burial. Kindly considerthe Lapeer Christian Church at 1080 Parker Street, Marathon NY 13803, Hospice of Cortland County, or the Harford Fire Dept. PO Box 7 Harford, NY 13784 in his memory.