Richard E. Blackwell

STRUTHERS - Richard E. Blackwell, 70, passed away late Sunday morning, Dec. 24, 2017, after an extended illness.

Richard was born March 6, 1947, in Youngstown, a son of the late Charles and Letha Newton Blackwell, and lived his life in this area.

He was a 1966 graduate of Struthers High School, and he owned and operated the former Blackwell Insulation Company in Struthers.

Mr. Blackwell was a socially active man, taking part in many community historical projects. He was the past-president of the Struthers Historical Society, and was instrumental in the restoration of the Paramount Theater and the B&O Station in Youngstown. He was active in the Save Idora Park movement in the 1980s, and in the effort to preserve Idora Park artifacts and memorabilia. Rich and his family also donated a collection of historical artifacts to the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor.

Rich was recognized and honored by the Ohio House of Representatives for his contribution to the historical preservation of Mahoning County.

Richie is survived by two sisters, Bonnie Blackwell (Vincent) Centofanti of Struthers and Patricia Blackwell (Jerry) McGhee of Madison, Ala.; nieces, Michelle Centofanti and Julia Centofanti, both of Struthers; and a nephew, Aaron Hippely of Alabama.

Rich will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A brother, Frederick Blackwell, and a nephew, Brian Hippely, are deceased.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial service which will take place at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29, at Poland Village Baptist Church, 79 Hill Dr., Poland.

Interment will take place at Lowellville Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.