Edward Lee Blackledge, age 77, passed away on February 19, 2024, following a lengthy illness.
Ed was a very social person who loved telling jokes and pulling pranks. He enjoyed making people laugh and tried to not take life too seriously.
Ed was born in Mansfield, Ohio on August 11, 1946 to the late Raymond Donald and Grace Mildred Blackledge. Ed was a proud graduate of the Mansfield Senior High School Class of 1964. While working at Tappan, Ed was drafted to the US Army on November 20, 1965, and received the Purple Heart medal while serving in Vietnam. Ed was proud of his service, continuing his involvement in military reunions and maintaining life-long friendships with the men from his unit.
Ed enjoyed a long and healthy career life in Richland County, retiring three times because he could not sit still. After returning home to Ohio from the Army, Ed became the owner of College Grocery in downtown Mansfield while he also worked for Tenney Tool as the Inside Sales and Operations Manager, eventually acquiring an ownership position of the industrial supply business. After selling his interest in the business, Ed became the Executive Director of the Incubator under the direction of the Ohio Department of Development. After providing his business knowledge there, Ed became a Facilities Manager and Director of a community non-profit organization. Finally, Ed managed maintenance operations for Third Street Family Health Services.
Ed was an active member of many community organizations such as Mansfield Kiwanis, VFW 9943, and the Restaurant Association. He also enjoyed his time spent volunteering for multiple activities at St. Peter’s including, but not limited to, festivals and numerous sporting events.
Survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosa Blackledge, and children, Sveinn, Maria (Jamie) Masi, and Heidi (Jason) Rubeck, grandchildren Nicholas Petursson, Abigail, Sophia, and Grace Masi and Emma and Alena Rubeck.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Sigurdur Eriksson and Fanney Jonasdottir, his brother Richard Dean Blackledge, and numerous family members.
At his request, there will be no public services, but a private burial with military honors will occur at a later date.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: www.ohiocremation.org