Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Trenton loses another son who had great impact
A city son who made a major difference in the lives of youth has passed.
Harry O. “Chubby” Blackwell, 70, transitioned on December 1, following an extended illness made tolerable by his faith combined with unconditional love delivered by family members and friends including Betty Blackwell, Grace Crossland, Terri Green, Linda Green and Jacob.
An obituary noted Blackwell “is survived by the light of his life, his daughter, Rukiya A. Blackwell, Esq.”
While the phrase “community activist” finds usage for any contributed effort no matter time frame or content, Blackwell earned his moniker with a lifetime of positive achievements that impacted many.
Forget activist. Blackwell created his own personal game change as an impactivist.
Chubby Blackwell understood that nurturing children, giving them opportunities and gaining their trust while establishing expected criteria for behavior and effort, served as a road map for success.
Blackwell selected recreational activities as an inroad with young people.
“Chubby Blackwell was the reason I got involved in the West End Little League,” former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer said.
“Chubby had a connection with young people who played for North Trenton Little League baseball, participated in his Trenton Junior Golf program or enjoyed any other city recreation activity.”
Palmer said Blackwell found employment as a city worker but made his mark through recreation.
“Recreation became a part of Chubby’s life. In fact, he introduced many young people to the game of golf,” Palmer noted.
“Golf became not just something to do. Playing golf gave young people the confidence to try almost anything.”
Blackwell stamped his name on the city golf program with a donation of time, energy and instruction.
Blackwell never intended on producing the next Tiger Woods, instead his mission focused on teaching basic skills, techniques and life lessons through golf.
When Trenton attracted The First Tee organization, Blackwell denied a merger for years, fearing that an infiltration of suburban youth would disengage city kids.
The national golf outreach may have abundant resources but lacks the soul and inspiration of Chubby Blackwell.
Blackwell graduated from Trenton Central High School (1964) and the Water and Sewage Technical School two years later.
His resume includes coursework at Mercer County Community College and Trenton State College followed by 34 years employment with the City.
Blackwell retired from the National Guard in 1991 following 24 years of honorable service.
His life story filled with accomplishments, awards as a coach, and recognition for service as a Democratic committeeman, father, organizer and man.
Friends and family members celebrated Chubby Blackwell and his extraordinary life Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church.