Kenneth W. Blackmer

Kenneth W. Blackmer Athol – Kenneth W. Blackmer, 93, of 379 West Royalston Road died Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Quabbin Valley Healthcare surrounded by his loving family.      Kenneth was born in Gardner, Massachusetts, October 9, 1917, the son of William H. and Alice (Bosworth) Blackmer.  He grew up in Orange, graduating from Orange High School in 1935.  He then lived in Northampton for 30 years, Gardner for 15 years and since 2004 has resided in Athol.        He worked for the Northampton School Department for 13 years until his retirement.  He had previously worked at the Northampton Veterans’ Hospital for seven years and ran the former Highland Dairy in Athol for 18 years.        Kenneth served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 4th Armored Division and received a purple heart and a bronze star.  He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Athol, a former member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Gardner and the Heritage Village Association while living in Gardner.  He enjoyed reading, gardening, stone work and wood carving.        He leaves his wife of 69 years, Edna J. (Coffin) Blackmer; a son, Kent W. Blackmer of Milton, VT; two daughters, Susan C. Muther and Jennifer H. Messier, both of Athol; several grandchildren; several great grandchildren and many cousins.        A graveside service will be held at Warwick Center Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Kenneth’s memory to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 15 Park Avenue, Athol, MA 01331 or the Gardner VNA Hospice Program, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA  01440.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });