Robert J Blackwell Sr.

He was born on February 26, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York.

Robert was enlisted in the United States Navy serving his country and the Allied coalition effort in Europe at the rank of Coxswain, from 1943-1946 during The Second World War and extended his enlistment in the Navy reserves until 1954.He also served in the US Coast Guard on the SS John W Brown Steamer 243344 from April to August 1946.

Upon completion of military service, he received a Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University Class of 1950 and Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1954.

His civil service career began as an attorney with the Federal Maritime Board, serving as director for several bureaus within the Federal Maritime Commission. In May, 1969 he became Deputy Maritime Administrator and was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Maritime Affairs by President Richard M. Nixon in 1971. He continued as Deputy Assistant Secretary during the duration of the Ford Administration and into the Carter Administration until 1979, spanning 3 Presidents of the United States.

As Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Maritime Affairs he was responsible for the 1976 Memorandum of Agreement with Assistant Secretary of the Navy John Bennet to develop the Ready Reserve Force as a subset of the National Defense Reserve Fleet. The Ready Reserve Force has been activated on numerous occasions in armed conflict, training, and natural disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Katrina.

The Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity presented him its 1972 Maritime Service Award for his efforts to “strengthen America’s Maritime industry in the interests of the nation, the industry and the workers who are dependent on it for their livelihoods”. In 1975 he was elected an Honorary Member of the United States Merchant Marine Alumni Association for his “devoted service to the American Merchant Marine and its Academy”. In 1976, he received the Vice Admiral Land Medal of the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers for Outstanding Accomplishment in the Maritime Field. In that same year he was awarded the “Admiral of the Sea Award” (AOTOS), widely regarded as the most prestigious accolade in the maritime sector. This award acknowledges exceptional contributions made by individuals and organizations towards the advancement of American seafarers and the United States’ maritime industry.

Following his career in government, he began private practice with Bogle & Gates before becoming Founding Partner at Sher & Blackwell, LLP until his retirement.

Robert married his beloved Mary Anne Ryan on October 16, 1954 in Chestnut Hill Massachusetts. A family man at heart, he enjoyed spending time with those closest to him and sharing their passions and pursuits. His wit, humor and personality made him a fixture within his professional and social communities.

Later in life they enjoyed their home at Pelican Cove. Bob could be seen each afternoon swimming 1 ½ miles a day till the age of 93 contributing to his longevity and later in life he was an honorary member of The Washington Piano Arts Council.

He is survived by his children Robert Jr (Nancy) and Jeanne, his grandchildren Ryan, Evan (Shelbie) and Tara, his great-grandchildren Noah and Alice and his granddog Tia Maria.

Services will be held at Royal Palm Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens / Dignity Memorial 5601 Greenwood Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 on Thursday February 29th 2024 with viewing at 10:30 am followed by a graveside service with military honors. Services are open to the public wishing to pay respects.

All are invited to the “Celebration of Bob's Life” luncheon hosted by the Blackwell Family from 1:30 -3:30 pm at Porto Bella Italian Restaurant 9770 S Military Trail Boynton Beach Fl 33436 Boynton Trail Centre

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the following organizations.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Loxahatchee FL https://www.bdrr.org/donation-form

Clinics Can Help, West Palm Beach FL https://www.clinicscanhelp.org/donate/

The Washington International Piano Arts Council, Washington DC

https://www.wipac.org/Paypal/PaypalDonations%20Button.html

"Build me straight, O worthy Master!

Stanch and strong, a goodly vessel,

That shall laugh at all disaster,

And with wave and whirlwind wrestle!"

By Henry Wadsworth LongFellow

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/west-palm-beach-fl/robert-blackwell-11671023