Thomas G. Blackstone

retired funeral director and owner, father of funeral director Kathleen Blackstone-Tomasino and grandfather of Danielle Altaffer, all of Blackstone Funeral Home, Girard, Ohio, died December 27, 2023, at age 86.

Blackstone attended Youngstown College and worked at Ohio Leather Works. He graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and became the third generation to work for and own Blackstone Funeral Home, working with his father, Gordon, until his death, and with daughter Kathleen since 1981. He was a member of the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association and the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, where he was honored for 50 years in funeral service in 2013.

Blackstone was passionate about working as a special firefighter for Girard Fire Department until 1995. He also owned and operated Blackstone Ambulance Service until the fire department started its own service. He was active in the Italian Fraternal Home Club, Saxon Club and many golf leagues throughout his life.

Blackstone is survived by children Kathleen, Thomas and Sheri; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.