Francis "Frank" Blackett

Francis (Frank) Blackett, 89, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the Gordon Hospice House. Mr. Blackett was born January 27, 1930 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England and was the son of the late Frank Blackett and Florence McCulloch Blackett. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Smith Blackett in 2008. They were married 54 years. He served in the British Royal Air Force.



Frank was a man with great positive energy. He never met a stranger, always having an encouraging word for everyone. Frank was a respected patternmaker for almost 40 years, serving his apprenticeship in England. He worked in the Akron, Ohio area and finished his career at the U.S. Naval Shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina.



He was an avid triathlete. He ran 12 marathons, including Boston, and his favorite, the New York marathon. As a former president of the Charleston Running Club, he was instrumental in the early years of the Cooper River Bridge Run. He also campaigned to add a walkway when the Charleston Ravenel Bridge was being built.



Frank was a lifelong supporter of the Newcastle United Football team. He also traveled the world in support of the US soccer team at the World Cups. He served on many Senior Games committees in both Iredell and Charleston. He competed at the national level Senior Olympic sports in swimming and running. During his time in Statesville, he enjoyed spending time at the Iredell Senior Center and participating in the YMCA's Parkinson's exercise group.



Frank will be deeply missed by his children, Laura (Adam) Dadich of New York, NY; Linda (Steve) Dearman of Statesville, NC; Dave (Julie) Blackett of Akron, OH; and Bill (Ann) Blackett of Belmont, NC; grandchildren, Michael (Leslie) Dearman, of Chattanooga, TN, Carson Dearman of Charlotte, NC, Laura Dearman of New York, NY, David Blackett and Amanda Blackett both of Chicago, IL, and Katie Blackett and Madeline Blackett both of Belmont, NC; three great grandchildren, Ellison Dearman, Laine Dearman, and Seth Dearman.



Frank was a truly devoted father to his family and will be sorely missed. A private family service will be held to celebrate his life. Donations may be made in his memory to Iredell Senior Games, PO Box 1111, Statesville, NC 28687; or the Gordon Hospice House, c/o Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. The family also would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Peachtree for their wonderful care of our father.



Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.



Donations may be made to:

Gordon Hospice House2341 Simonton Raod, Statesville NC 28625Tel: 1-704-761-2400Iredell Senior GamesP.O. Box 1111, Statesville NC 28687