Obituary for Charles F. "Chuck" Blackington Jr.
Charles F. Blackington, Jr., fondly known as "Chuck", “Chuckie” or “Chuckles” to his family and friends, a third generation Funeral Director in Newton, age 65, of Newton and Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2020.
Chuck was born in Newton, MA on November 7, 1955; he was the cherished son of the late Charles and Irene Blackington. Chuck, along with his siblings Susan, Gayle and Jay were raised in Newton in a very "tight neighborhood" where the families remained life-long friends. They shared many wonderful times together throughout the years, making memories to last a life-time.
Chuck loved Our Lady’s Parish where he served as an altar boy and attended school for all 12 years. Chuck enjoyed playing football and basketball for Our Lady’s and made many life-long friends with his classmates. In school, Chuck was known to be a “sweet guy”; a trait that he would carry throughout his life, but everyone knew he could have a mischievous side and a great sense of humor. Chuck graduated Our Lady’s High School with the Class of 1973 and has remained close to many of his classmates to this very day.
Chuck went on to attend Newton Junior College; graduating in 1975 and then on to New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Boston where he received his Degree in Funeral Directing and Embalming in 1978. Chuck began a very successful and rewarding career in the Funeral Industry over 40 years ago which resulted in great relationships throughout the years while serving others and his community.
Chuck’s career started at Cate and Pratt Funeral Home in West Newton, a family owned business where he worked alongside his father, Charlie for many years until his passing. Chuck was the former proprietor of the Blackington Funeral Home in Newton, and partner of Blackington, Conroy and Hayes Funeral Home in West Newton. Following the retirement of his partners, Chuck has continued to serve the community with the Burke and Blackington Funeral Home since 2009.
Chuck was also a very talented “trade embalmer” and worked alongside the medical examiner’s office when needed. Chuck had a wealth of knowledge when it came to embalming he opened his door to teach countless apprentices, share his knowledge and encourage them to be the best funeral service professional they could be. Chuck always took the time to help any embalmer or funeral director in need and many went to him for help throughout the years.
To say that Chuck was dedicated to his profession would be an understatement; he gave unconditionally of his time and talents often missing vacations and holidays with his own family. Chuck had a way with people, his endearing personality, kind disposition and ability to make you feel calm were all attributes to his success throughout the years. Chuck helped countless families through the most difficult moments of their lives, he was a huge source of comfort to others often holding a hand or offering a hug. Chuck made many friends with the families that he served, and he was honored to be entrusted with their loved ones.
Chuck was a Newton man through and through; his passion for serving his community was evident in everything he did. Chuck was a long-time member and Past President of the Newton Rotary Club where he volunteered for countless hours. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his outstanding service to the Community. Chuck sat on the Board of Directors for the West Suburban Red Cross, YMCA and Newton/Needham Chamber of Commerce. An Eagle Scout himself Chuck proudly served on the Board of Directors of the Norumbega Council of Boy Scouts and was honored with being named “Man of the Year” for the City of Newton. Chuck loved being a scout; he often spoke of the wonderful friendships he made, how he enjoyed their outings and camping trips. Chuck continued to support the Council for the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life.
Chuck was a devoted and loving father to his daughter Brittany Mae; the two had a special bond and he looked forward to the times they spent together. Chuck enjoyed every stage of her life whether it was playing with her as a toddler, attending her school events or watching her play sports. He always found the time to spend with her and he was her biggest fan, confidante, role model and best friend.
Chuck’s world became even brighter with the birth of his grandson Jameson; he took on the role of “Grampy” and prided himself with the fact that Jameson “loved him most” as he told everyone who would listen.
Although Newton was his "stomping ground", Chuck became a fixture up in Wilmington. He fit quite well into the community and made many new friends. Chuck often helped out at Nichols Funeral Home in Wilmington; always sharing his kindness and compassion with anyone in need.
While in Wilmington, Chuck became a huge part of Margaret and the Cavanaugh family; he was one of the "Gang." He often enjoyed holidays, sporting events, birthday parties and cookouts. Chuck became a favorite with the grandchildren; he was affectionately known as "Chuck" and he had a nickname for each one of them.
The last two years have been a challenge for Chuck, but with the loving support from Margaret and Susan, he was still able to have quality time with his family and friends. Chuck referred to Margaret as "the warden", but it was her persistence and consistent dedication that carried him through. They were a strong team, never giving up on each other and always making each other a priority. Chuck's quick wit carried them through even the most uncertain times. The Cavanaugh family has many funny Chuck stories that will be recounted for years to come.
Chuck was a creature of habit who would begin his day on the porch of Burke and Blackington, drinking his coffee, listening to the radio, reading the Boston Globe and conversing with the neighbors. Chuck was well read, he loved to debate the issues at hand and challenged others to think.
In his spare time, Chuck loved to golf, read, play cribbage, follow his Boston Sports teams, travel and spend time with his family and friends. Chuck looked forward to his annual “St. Paddy’s Weekend” camping trips to Mount Chicora in New Hampshire with his life-long buddies. Later in life Chuck learned to ski and earned his nickname “Wind” because he only went one speed and only straight down the mountain.
Chuck will be fondly remembered as a “great guy” with a huge heart, a big personality and a great sense of humor. He was a good story teller who could keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation or have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Chuck was compassionate and caring towards everyone he met. He was very generous with his time and talents to help anyone in need. Chuck was truly “one of a kind” who was loved by so many and will forever be in their hearts.
Chuck was the cherished son of the late Charles F. and Irene (Coakley) Blackington, devoted father of Brittany Mae Blackington & her significant other Nathan Elwell of Newport, NH, loving fiance of Margaret McKenna of Wilmington, adoring "Grampy" of Jameson Elwell, dear brother of Susan Blackington of Weymouth, Gayle Moran & her husband Michael of Milton and Jay Blackington & his wife M. J. of Hingham. Beloved Uncle of Charlie & Sara Blackington, Shannon & Timothy Cuff, Kate & Brian Galvin, Kelly & Chris Stairs, Darcy & Kyle Uustal and their families. Chuck was also very special to Kelly & Walter Nadeau, Bill Cavanaugh, Jillian Thelen, Joe & Kristie Cavanaugh, Kevin Cavanaugh & Samantha Reif all of Wilmington, Allison, Charlotte & Jacqui Warren, Celine & Vivienne Nadeau, Julia, Alyssa & Geoffrey Cavanaugh, R. J. Thelen, Joe & Kennedy Cavanaugh and Olivia & Carmine Cavanaugh. Chuck was the dear nephew to his five Coakley Uncles and is further survived by his cousins and their families, his extended Phelan family, his godchildren and his many close friends who were all a special part of his life.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday, December 27th from 1-6 PM at the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., West Newton. Funeral Mass is private.
In lieu of flowers donations in Chuck's memory may be made to the Whittier Health Network Charitable Foundation, In Memory of Charles Blackington in the memo line, Whitter Rehabilitation Hospital, 145 Ward Hill Ave., Bradford, MA 01835, Attn: Gina Kun.
Chuck was born in Newton, MA on November 7, 1955; he was the cherished son of the late Charles and Irene Blackington. Chuck, along with his siblings Susan, Gayle and Jay were raised in Newton in a very "tight neighborhood" where the families remained life-long friends. They shared many wonderful times together throughout the years, making memories to last a life-time.
Chuck loved Our Lady’s Parish where he served as an altar boy and attended school for all 12 years. Chuck enjoyed playing football and basketball for Our Lady’s and made many life-long friends with his classmates. In school, Chuck was known to be a “sweet guy”; a trait that he would carry throughout his life, but everyone knew he could have a mischievous side and a great sense of humor. Chuck graduated Our Lady’s High School with the Class of 1973 and has remained close to many of his classmates to this very day.
Chuck went on to attend Newton Junior College; graduating in 1975 and then on to New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Boston where he received his Degree in Funeral Directing and Embalming in 1978. Chuck began a very successful and rewarding career in the Funeral Industry over 40 years ago which resulted in great relationships throughout the years while serving others and his community.
Chuck’s career started at Cate and Pratt Funeral Home in West Newton, a family owned business where he worked alongside his father, Charlie for many years until his passing. Chuck was the former proprietor of the Blackington Funeral Home in Newton, and partner of Blackington, Conroy and Hayes Funeral Home in West Newton. Following the retirement of his partners, Chuck has continued to serve the community with the Burke and Blackington Funeral Home since 2009.
Chuck was also a very talented “trade embalmer” and worked alongside the medical examiner’s office when needed. Chuck had a wealth of knowledge when it came to embalming he opened his door to teach countless apprentices, share his knowledge and encourage them to be the best funeral service professional they could be. Chuck always took the time to help any embalmer or funeral director in need and many went to him for help throughout the years.
To say that Chuck was dedicated to his profession would be an understatement; he gave unconditionally of his time and talents often missing vacations and holidays with his own family. Chuck had a way with people, his endearing personality, kind disposition and ability to make you feel calm were all attributes to his success throughout the years. Chuck helped countless families through the most difficult moments of their lives, he was a huge source of comfort to others often holding a hand or offering a hug. Chuck made many friends with the families that he served, and he was honored to be entrusted with their loved ones.
Chuck was a Newton man through and through; his passion for serving his community was evident in everything he did. Chuck was a long-time member and Past President of the Newton Rotary Club where he volunteered for countless hours. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his outstanding service to the Community. Chuck sat on the Board of Directors for the West Suburban Red Cross, YMCA and Newton/Needham Chamber of Commerce. An Eagle Scout himself Chuck proudly served on the Board of Directors of the Norumbega Council of Boy Scouts and was honored with being named “Man of the Year” for the City of Newton. Chuck loved being a scout; he often spoke of the wonderful friendships he made, how he enjoyed their outings and camping trips. Chuck continued to support the Council for the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life.
Chuck was a devoted and loving father to his daughter Brittany Mae; the two had a special bond and he looked forward to the times they spent together. Chuck enjoyed every stage of her life whether it was playing with her as a toddler, attending her school events or watching her play sports. He always found the time to spend with her and he was her biggest fan, confidante, role model and best friend.
Chuck’s world became even brighter with the birth of his grandson Jameson; he took on the role of “Grampy” and prided himself with the fact that Jameson “loved him most” as he told everyone who would listen.
Although Newton was his "stomping ground", Chuck became a fixture up in Wilmington. He fit quite well into the community and made many new friends. Chuck often helped out at Nichols Funeral Home in Wilmington; always sharing his kindness and compassion with anyone in need.
While in Wilmington, Chuck became a huge part of Margaret and the Cavanaugh family; he was one of the "Gang." He often enjoyed holidays, sporting events, birthday parties and cookouts. Chuck became a favorite with the grandchildren; he was affectionately known as "Chuck" and he had a nickname for each one of them.
The last two years have been a challenge for Chuck, but with the loving support from Margaret and Susan, he was still able to have quality time with his family and friends. Chuck referred to Margaret as "the warden", but it was her persistence and consistent dedication that carried him through. They were a strong team, never giving up on each other and always making each other a priority. Chuck's quick wit carried them through even the most uncertain times. The Cavanaugh family has many funny Chuck stories that will be recounted for years to come.
Chuck was a creature of habit who would begin his day on the porch of Burke and Blackington, drinking his coffee, listening to the radio, reading the Boston Globe and conversing with the neighbors. Chuck was well read, he loved to debate the issues at hand and challenged others to think.
In his spare time, Chuck loved to golf, read, play cribbage, follow his Boston Sports teams, travel and spend time with his family and friends. Chuck looked forward to his annual “St. Paddy’s Weekend” camping trips to Mount Chicora in New Hampshire with his life-long buddies. Later in life Chuck learned to ski and earned his nickname “Wind” because he only went one speed and only straight down the mountain.
Chuck will be fondly remembered as a “great guy” with a huge heart, a big personality and a great sense of humor. He was a good story teller who could keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation or have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Chuck was compassionate and caring towards everyone he met. He was very generous with his time and talents to help anyone in need. Chuck was truly “one of a kind” who was loved by so many and will forever be in their hearts.
Chuck was the cherished son of the late Charles F. and Irene (Coakley) Blackington, devoted father of Brittany Mae Blackington & her significant other Nathan Elwell of Newport, NH, loving fiance of Margaret McKenna of Wilmington, adoring "Grampy" of Jameson Elwell, dear brother of Susan Blackington of Weymouth, Gayle Moran & her husband Michael of Milton and Jay Blackington & his wife M. J. of Hingham. Beloved Uncle of Charlie & Sara Blackington, Shannon & Timothy Cuff, Kate & Brian Galvin, Kelly & Chris Stairs, Darcy & Kyle Uustal and their families. Chuck was also very special to Kelly & Walter Nadeau, Bill Cavanaugh, Jillian Thelen, Joe & Kristie Cavanaugh, Kevin Cavanaugh & Samantha Reif all of Wilmington, Allison, Charlotte & Jacqui Warren, Celine & Vivienne Nadeau, Julia, Alyssa & Geoffrey Cavanaugh, R. J. Thelen, Joe & Kennedy Cavanaugh and Olivia & Carmine Cavanaugh. Chuck was the dear nephew to his five Coakley Uncles and is further survived by his cousins and their families, his extended Phelan family, his godchildren and his many close friends who were all a special part of his life.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday, December 27th from 1-6 PM at the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., West Newton. Funeral Mass is private.
In lieu of flowers donations in Chuck's memory may be made to the Whittier Health Network Charitable Foundation, In Memory of Charles Blackington in the memo line, Whitter Rehabilitation Hospital, 145 Ward Hill Ave., Bradford, MA 01835, Attn: Gina Kun.