Barry H. Blackwell, passed away May 7, 2023 at the age of 75. He was the beloved husband of Lana S. Blackwell (nee Wickman), devoted father of Kelly (Domenico) Piccininni, Brad Blackwell, Jennifer (Richard) Johnson, and Mandy (Drew) Hauer, cherished grandfather of Josie (Cody) Riley, Mollie & Davis Dwyer, Max, Tate, & Eloise Johnson, and Barrett, Berkley, & Charlie Hauer, caring great-grandfather of Nora Riley, loving son of the late Margaret Finley, dear brother of Donna Schmitz, and half-brother of Betty Blackwell.
Barry was born in Cincinnati, OH on June 3th, 1947. Following graduation from Taylor High School, he entered the United States Air Force. He served his country in the Vietnam War from 1965-1969 and this was something he was most proud of. One week after returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Lana, and they began their journey towards their American Dream.
Barry attended the University of Cincinnati while working the night shift at The Kroger Co. with dreams of climbing up the corporate ladder. After receiving his Bachelors, he continued work at The Kroger Co. for 40 years, eventually retiring in 2010 as an Executive Vice President of Manufacturing. Although he was always dedicated to his work, his peers, and his employees, there is no doubt that he was most dedicated to his family. Work never got in the way of supporting his kids and grandkids. There was not a single game, competition, or concert that he missed, even those that involved traveling. He was truly the most supportive and dedicated fan. Even up until the end, he remembered every minute detail of every game.
In August of 2019, Barry was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). He fought this awful disease for four long years. Barry was forced to slow down his active lifestyle but he was still able to witness his grandkids' weddings, graduations, and sporting events. He was also fortunate enough to meet his first great-grand child born in April 2023, of which he was so proud.
Sadly, within the past few months, his disease progressed rapidly and his lungs began failing his active mind. On May 7th, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, with his wife of 54 years holding his hand.
Although he is no longer physically present, his legacy lives on through the life lessons and morals he instilled in his big family. He taught the importance of determination, integrity, grit and hard work. He loved honestly and fully. He was proud of his family, never missing the opportunity to brag to anyone who would listen. What a legacy, what a life. He would want everyone to stay "peachy" and keep rooting for the home team.
Memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 100 Miami Ave., Terrace Park, on Saturday, May 20th at 10:30 am. Friends may visit at the church before the service on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am. A casual celebration of life will be held at Ivy Hills Country Club, 7711 Ivy Hills Blvd., from 1:00-3:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Thomas Episcopal Church or Hospice of Cincinnati.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barry H. Blackwell, please visit our flower store.
Barry was born in Cincinnati, OH on June 3th, 1947. Following graduation from Taylor High School, he entered the United States Air Force. He served his country in the Vietnam War from 1965-1969 and this was something he was most proud of. One week after returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Lana, and they began their journey towards their American Dream.
Barry attended the University of Cincinnati while working the night shift at The Kroger Co. with dreams of climbing up the corporate ladder. After receiving his Bachelors, he continued work at The Kroger Co. for 40 years, eventually retiring in 2010 as an Executive Vice President of Manufacturing. Although he was always dedicated to his work, his peers, and his employees, there is no doubt that he was most dedicated to his family. Work never got in the way of supporting his kids and grandkids. There was not a single game, competition, or concert that he missed, even those that involved traveling. He was truly the most supportive and dedicated fan. Even up until the end, he remembered every minute detail of every game.
In August of 2019, Barry was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). He fought this awful disease for four long years. Barry was forced to slow down his active lifestyle but he was still able to witness his grandkids' weddings, graduations, and sporting events. He was also fortunate enough to meet his first great-grand child born in April 2023, of which he was so proud.
Sadly, within the past few months, his disease progressed rapidly and his lungs began failing his active mind. On May 7th, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, with his wife of 54 years holding his hand.
Although he is no longer physically present, his legacy lives on through the life lessons and morals he instilled in his big family. He taught the importance of determination, integrity, grit and hard work. He loved honestly and fully. He was proud of his family, never missing the opportunity to brag to anyone who would listen. What a legacy, what a life. He would want everyone to stay "peachy" and keep rooting for the home team.
Memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 100 Miami Ave., Terrace Park, on Saturday, May 20th at 10:30 am. Friends may visit at the church before the service on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am. A casual celebration of life will be held at Ivy Hills Country Club, 7711 Ivy Hills Blvd., from 1:00-3:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Thomas Episcopal Church or Hospice of Cincinnati.
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