Obituary of Brian Keith Blackwell

Brian Keith Blackwell, 52, of Summit Hill, PA passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Brian was born in Neptune, NJ, was raised in Manalapan and lived in Howell, NJ before moving to PA recently. He was a proud member of Local 696, Sprinkler Fitter’s Union for 24 years. He was a devoted cat “dad”, and we know many of his beloved cats were waiting to welcome him over the Rainbow Bridge, especially Butterscotch, Sprinkles and Cooter. Brian found joy when riding his motorcycle, watching the Philadelphia Eagles, listening to the Grateful Dead and John Denver and spending time with those he loved.

"All this joy, all this sorrow

All this promise, all this pain

Such is life, such is being

Such is spirit, such is love.” -  John Denver

Brian was predeceased by his brother-in-law Michael DiArchangel and his father-in-law Frank Heslin. He is survived by his father Charles E. Blackwell Jr. and mother Carol Blackwell; brothers Charles Blackwell III and his wife Meredith of Bayville, NJ, and Thomas Blackwell and his wife Marcia of Long Branch, NJ; sister Stacy DiArchangel of Manalapan, NJ; nephews Charles Blackwell IV and his wife Ashley and Michael G. DiArchangel; great nieces Elizabeth and Scarlett Blackwell and the love of his life Jennifer Blackwell. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Barbara Heslin; brother-in-law Frank Heslin and his wife Donna; sister-in-law Lori Beyer and her husband Joe; brother-in-law Steven Heslin and many nieces and nephews.            

Friends and family are invited to attend his memorial gathering on Saturday, April 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Freeman Funeral Homes, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan, NJ.  A memorial service will be held Saturday at the Freeman Funeral Home at 3:30p.m.  To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Calling All Cats Rescues would be appreciated. 1001 Fischer Blvd. P.O. Box 206, Tom’s River, NJ 08753. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NFMJ5HJDX5RJ2&fbclid=IwAR3pzMyecbkirC1m0L_UCa51-gc5C1jH7OrJ4soD-yXw74Zbw1fpjgfQ3AQ&ssrt=1681325157641&mibextid=Zxz2cZ