Charles "Fred" Frederick Blackstone

Charles Frederick Blackstone (aka “Fred”) peacefully passed away at his home on July 12, 2023 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Fred was born in Dennison, Ohio on September 24, 1956. Fred was the youngest child of the late Charles F. and Frances D. Blackstone.

Fred graduated from Claymont High School in 1974 and earned a BS in Operations Management from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business in 1978. His business experience spanned several industries, including plastics and automotive manufacturing. His career took him abroad to Europe, Japan, and Mexico. Prior to his retirement in 2021, he was a Sales Executive for Linamar Corporation starting in 2004. He was the Executive VP/COO for Grand Rapids Plastics from 1989-1999.

Fred’s wife, Barbara Kopec Blackstone, preceded him in death in 2007. Fred is survived by his only daughter, Anna K. Blackstone (Nathaniel T. Astrup) of Miami, Florida and his beloved dog, Emma. Fred will also be greatly missed by his three sisters, Bernadette S. Blackstone of Dennison OH, Lenora B. Fennell (Richard) of Fairfax VA, and Margaret B. Artz (Ray) of Minneapolis MN.

Fred was a singer-songwriter and played acoustic guitar and harmonica. He was a true showman whose songs ranged from somber to comedic and always told a story. Fred spun wonderful tales that kept his family, friends, and audiences captivated and laughing. He also had a love of carpentry and enjoyed making gifts for his loved ones. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and cousin. Fred cherished his many friendships throughout his life, and loved making music and memories with the people he loved.

There are no services immediately following his death. Fred’s cremated remains will be combined with his wife’s and together they will be placed at Neptune Memorial Reef in Miami, Florida. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held in Tuscarawas County Ohio later this year in the Fall. Information for the celebration will be communicated to family, friends and colleagues when the arrangements are made.

Special thanks is extended to Tidewell Hospice of Port Charlotte and its wonderful nurse caregivers, Stephen, Candy, Beth, Jean, and Brenda. Their compassion and empathy to Fred were a comfort to his family.

In lieu of flowers, the Blackstone family requests that a donation be made to the Tidewell Foundation in Fred’s memory (https://tidewellfoundation.org/donate/).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kayspongerpc.com for the Blackstone family.