Obituary of Edward N. Blackwell

Edward N. Blackwell, 80, of Jackson passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his side on Saturday, November 9, 2025 at Ocean University Medical Center in Brick, NJ. Edward was born in Neptune and grew up on his family’s farm in Howell. He married the love of his life and moved to Lakewood in 1969 where he raised his family, after which he relocated and settled in Jackson in 2006. Edward was proud of his service in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967 and was a Vietnam War veteran, receiving multiple commendations including a National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Unit Citation, a Viet Nam Service Medal, and a Viet Nam Campaign Medal.

Edward received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Monmouth College in 1978. He put his knowledge for numbers and finances to use managing the accounts on his family’s farm, which also manifested into his penchant for coin collecting; however, he much preferred working with his hands over working behind a desk. As a young man, Edward was an adventurous risk-taker, but he appreciated the hard physical labor required on his parents’ farm. Edward never had idle hands, and he translated the work ethic developed on the farm and in the navy to maintaining his own property with the utmost care throughout his life. He was an adept handyman around the house and relished his time in the yard, where managing his land and maintaining a pristine lawn was a favored pastime and something he took much pride in. When the sun set, he would move to tinkering and repairing whatever needed fixing in the garage. Home was where he truly enjoyed spending his time.

Family was very important to Edward, and he was always concerned with his loved ones’ well-being, and he did everything he could to make sure they were all set up for success. He was predeceased by his parents, W. Norman and Anna (nee Killian) Blackwell and his brother, Lawrence (Bucky) Blackwell. He is survived by his beloved wife, of fifty-six years, JoAnn Blackwell as well as his three loving children, Veronica Blackwell, Scott Blackwell and his wife, Kristin, and Tracy Brenman and her husband Yaron. Over the past 42 years, Edward was fortunate enough to have six grandchildren, each of whom he has cherished and adored: Danielle Rendleman and her husband, David Recinos, Justin Rendleman and his husband, Matt Pressler, Sri Blackwell, Sade Blackwell, Kelyn Blackwell, and Hannah Brenman. Edward was a great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren: Dylan, Diego, Tate, and Daniel. He is also survived by his three dear sisters, Joan Morrissey, Lorraine Kelly, and Gloria Hibbs and a cherished sister-in-law, Elizabeth Peterson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

All arrangements are private at this time under the direction of Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.