Arnold G. (Blackie) Blackstone

Arnold G. Blackstone, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2024, just shy of his 89th birthday. Arnold was born on January 23, 1936, in Beals, ME, to Elvin and Elsie Blackstone. Arnold’s family moved to Lafayette, RI, and later to Vernon, VT, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse. The family eventually settled in Brattleboro, VT, where Arnold graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1954. During high school, he enjoyed playing football and, encouraged by his principal, went on to attend the University of Vermont. While at UVM, he met and married Janet, his wife of 67 wonderful years. Both graduated in 1958. Arnold joined the National Guard and completed six months of training in Columbia, SC. He and Janet then moved to Milwaukee, WI. There Arnold worked for the Marshall and Ilsley Bank. He was later called up with the 32nd Division of the Wisconsin National Guard and sent to Tacoma, WA, during the “Berlin Crisis,” serving 11 months of active duty. After completing active duty, Arnold returned to the bank for two years before deciding to move back to Vermont to be closer to family. He joined the Vermont Bank and Trust Company in Bennington, where he and Janet raised their family. Arnold was a member of the United Methodist Church and became an enthusiastic member of the Bennington Lions Club, eventually serving as its president. He also served on the board of directors for the YMCA and participated in several other local organizations. Arnold left banking briefly and worked for the Bennington Iron Works. He missed banking and returned a few years later to become the President of the Franklin County Trust Company (later known as the Shawmut Bank) in Greenfield, MA. He served on several boards throughout the Pioneer Valley, notably the Franklin County Hospital, the YMCA and the Arts Council. He also joined the First Methodist Church of Greenfield. Later, Arnold became the business manager of Bement School in Deerfield. He retired in 2000. Arnold, affectionately known as “Blackie,” was a devoted family man. He deeply loved his wife and children, embodying enormous honesty and integrity, values which he instilled in them. Known for his terrific sense of humor, he was a lifelong fan of Boston sports and a dedicated supporter of his grandchildren’s college sports teams. He coached Little League for both his sons, Tom and Peter, and rarely missed any event where his children or grandchildren were involved—whether it was a baseball, football, soccer, basketball, or hockey game, swim meet, play, dance recital, piano recital, or a band competition. A self-taught builder, Blackie constructed the family home in Bennington with the help of friends from the Lions Club. He was a skilled and resourceful do-it-yourselfer. Blackie also enjoyed golf—though it often tested his patience—and was a member of both the Bennington and Greenfield Country Clubs. Traveling was another passion of Blackie’s. He visited every state except one and made several trips to Europe, Mexico, and Canada. While he was a hard worker and always kept busy with projects, his family was his top priority. He leaves behind his wife Janet, son Thomas Blackstone of Georges Mills, NH, (Marilu), his daughter Donna Chase (Jeff) of Keene, NH and Robin Blackstone of Lenoir City, TN and son Peter Blackstone (Karen) of Great Falls, VA, eight grandchildren: Nicholas Valinski, Madeline Gelsinon (Mike), Theodore Valinski, Paige Blackstone, Gregory Chase, Eric Chase, Ailsa Blackstone and Morgan Blackstone. Blackie was predeceased by his only sibling, Whitney Blackstone of Pittsfield, MA. Blackie was so proud of his family and loved them with all his heart. Each felt his love “to the nines!” He will be missed. The family is truly grateful for the loving care Blackie received from Pioneer Valley Hospice, the Veterans Administration, and the staff at Charlene Manor, including the nurses, nurse’s aides, doctors, maintenance crew, kitchen staff, and, perhaps most of all, the finance director. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project, the National Parks Foundation, or Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care. Calling hours are Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 10-11:30 AM followed immediately by a brief service at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.

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