Vietnam War Bronze Star Recipient, Hackettstown Man Dies At 73

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Charles Blackwell, Sr., was a distinguished man who fought valiantly for his country.

The Hackettstown resident died recently at the age of 73.

Blackwell was born in New York, New York and lived in the Cortland Park area of the Bronx before moving to Hackettstown six years ago. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War for six years as part of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division where he received a Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.

Blackwell was a proud member of the Hackettstown VFW and the American Legion.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Barbara Blackwell, a son, and a large, loving extended family. He was predeceased by his daughter, Vera Meggett.

A celebration of Charles’s life will include memorial visitation Saturday, May 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at the William J. Leber Funeral Home on Furnace Road in Chester. A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. immediately following visitation.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or Hope Of The World, P.O. Box 1111, Lodi, NJ 07644.