John L Blackiston

December 1, 1938 - January 11, 2019

John L. Blackiston, Jr. (Jack or Blacky) 80 Jack passed away at Christiana Hospital on January 11, 2019. He was born on December 1, 1938 to John L. and Ione B. Blackiston, Sr. in Dover. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1956. Jack married Jeannie E. Massey on May 7, 1960, the love of his life. At age 18 Jack joined the Delaware Army National Guard and was Honorably Discharged in January 1964. At age 17 he started working as a lineman for Diamond State Telephone now known as Verizon. He retired in 1992. Jack enjoyed his retirement, giving him 25 years of special time with Jeannie. They enjoyed seeing their grandchildren and watching then grow up. Other than is parents he is proceeded in death by his loving wife Jeannie M. Blackiston in 2018, His son Paul B. Blackiston, Brother-in-law Carl Sanders and Brother-in-law Francis Gilbert Massey. He is survived by his daughter Sheri (Mark)Cox, of Lincoln, Sister Phyllis Ann Sanders of Greenwood, Daughter-in-law Lorretta Blackiston of PA, Sister-in-Law Paula Massey of Millsboro, 5 grandchildren Heath (Ashley) Bullock, Sean R Bullock, Bryan (Audrey) Blackiston, Gillian Blackiston and Spencer Blackiston, several neices and nephews, and many friends. He was known as Pop of all the friends of his grandchildren and he loved them all very much. A celebration of Jack and Jeannie's life will be held at Traders Funeral Home in Dover where friends may visit Saturday January 19th from 1:00 - 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contribution be made in the Blackiston name to the American Cancer Society. Burial will be private.