passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021 at the age of 92.
Loving husband of the late Rosemary Blackwell (nee Gallagher); dearest father of Richard (Mary) Blackwell Jr. and Thomas (Laura) Blackwell; dear grandfather of Anne (Clinton), Richard III, Daniel, Sarah Jane, Thomas Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth; dear great-grandfather of Rosemary and Samuel; dear brother of Mary Lou (Patrick) Hengst and late Ronald (Mary Margaret) Blackwell; our dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Prof. Blackwell taught Philosophy at St. Louis University for 40 years, including a 10 year term as holder of Danforth Chair in the Humanities; recipient of the Nancy McNair Ring Outstanding Faculty Award; author of several books and numerous articles. His academic interests were Philosophy of Science, History of Science, and the intersection between Science and Religion.
The family wishes to thank the many healthcare professionals who cared for him in his later years, Good Samaritan Senior Care, and most especially his care provider Fredrick.
SERVICES: Funeral Mass Friday, October 15, 2021 10:00 am St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church. Interment Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis University. Visitation Thursday, October 14, 5:00 – 8:00 pm at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd.
Rich and Tom and your families: So very sorry that I am unable to be there in St. Louis. Know that the Cleveland Blackwell cousins are thinking of you in your time of sorrow and remembering wonderful memories of Uncle Dick. We like to think he’s with your Mom, our mom and dad and Grandma Blackwell, Uncle Pat…the list goes on.
Mary Kay (Blackwell) Pritschau
Patty (Blackwell) and Jim Butauski
Steve (recently deceased) and Valerie Blackwell, Corey, Brett, Dana, Lisa
Jim and Anne Blackwell, Molly and Rose
Bob and Lisa Blackwell
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Blackwell’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. I am personally grateful for having had Dr. Blackwell as a teacher during my own doctoral studies. He was the model scholar, a person whose scope of knowledge was met by his humility. May he find rest in God’s grace. Pax Christi.
My condolences to Dick and Rosemary’s sons and family on his passing. Dick was a wonderful and close friend of my parents, Jack and Mari Dunsford, and I have fond memories of him at our house. I will say a prayer for him!
Rich and Mary, so sorry to hear about Rich’s father’s death. I know he will be very missed but it’s good to know that he will be back with Rosemary.
Take care,
Lou and Mary Howell
Thank you for teaching me, Doctor. Rest in Peace.
My condolences to the family, his near and dear ones, if belatedly, I was hoping to find his address in order to contact him at last because he wrote an excellent Review of my book (Pandit 1983) in the Review of Metaphysics 38 (1984/1985, pp. 673-674) which I happen to read just now.
May his soul rest in peace.