Donald Blackwell

Leroy Donald (Don) Blackwell, 84, of New Fairfield, passed away on March 16th, 2021 in Danbury. He lived to help people and his was a life of service and of friendships. Don was born in White Plains, NY to Robert and Margaret Blackwell on July 19th, 1936. In 1958, he married Frances Stephens in Bronx, NY. Don and Fran had four children together. After their divorce in 1985, he was married to Donna Peck of New Fairfield in 1988 until she passed in 2007 and was a loving stepfather to Donna’s three daughters.

In 2008, Don met Lori Gibbs of New Fairfield and spent his remaining days in a loving relationship, where they quickly became part of each other’s family. Lori was at Don’s side comforting him when he passed peacefully at Danbury Hospital. Don worked many jobs throughout his life, but his true calling was police work. He worked as a Constable for New Fairfield from 1972 to 1995 and as a Lauderhill FL Police Lieutenant for an additional six years until he was medically retired due to injuries sustained on duty. He was also a proud veteran serving in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves for 27 years, culminating his service as a Master Sergeant. He was actively involved in the New Fairfield Lions Club where he earned the prestigious Melvin Jones Humanitarian award.

His second wife Donna (Peck) Blackwell, his son New York City Fire Fighter Christopher Blackwell who was killed on 9/11/2001, two sisters, and four brothers precede Don in death. Don is survived by his first wife Frances Blackwell-Allan, sons Michael Blackwell, Stephen Blackwell and daughter Diane Blackwell; stepdaughters Heidi Rolewicz, Tracy Garbowski and Lindsay Hoffman; Lori Gibbs’ children, Ben Gibbs and Amy Owens; Don’s younger sister Carol Connors; 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

To best meet Don’s last wishes, funeral services will be held later, still to be determined, in order to ensure a safe environment for those who want to attend. When dates are announced, a wake will be held at Green Funeral Home in Danbury, CT followed by a funeral mass at Saint Edward the Confessor Church in New Fairfield and a burial service at Mountain View Cemetery in New Fairfield.

The family of Don Blackwell wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Eric Chongze Ma, the doctors, nurses, and staff of Danbury Hospital and Hancock Hall. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the Danbury Police Department, New Fairfield Police Department and all those who helped coordinate Don’s escort, especially Officer Anthony Maher and State Conservation Officer Alex Blackwell who were instrumental in coordinating that effort with family and loved ones.