Blackwell, Paul Richard Paul Richard Blackwell was born in 1944 in Pasadena, California. When his father returned from the European theater of operations, the family moved back to Morton, Texas, where his grandparents lived. In 1959 the family drove to Fairbanks, Alaska. Richard attended Main Junior High there and then graduated from Lathrop High School. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks and then taught high school courses at Lathrop until 1975 when he moved to Seattle. While in Seattle, he attended Seattle University, which later granted him a Master's degree in English literature when he completed his thesis. In 1976 he moved to Chicago with his life partner. He resumed teaching in 1977 at Mendel Catholic High School in Roseland. In 1979 he joined the faculty of Saint Ignatius College Prep and taught English literature there for thirty years. During his tenure at Saint Ignatius, he served for a few years as English Department Chairman; he coached the Academic Team, and was often asked to serve on selection and financial aid committees. First and foremost, however, he was a skilled and dedicated teacher. He loved his students and his academic discipline. It broke his heart when he had to retire because of illness. Richard's survivors include Frank Willis, his life partner; his two brothers, Phillip of Pahrump, Nevada, and Mark of Fairbanks, Alaska; his beloved aunt, Bert McCrea of San Angelo, Texas; and many cousins in the Southwest. The visitation and memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church, 708 West Belmont, Chicago. The visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church and the memorial mass will be at 11:00 a.m. There will be a blessing and committal at Rosehill Cemetery following the services at Mount Carmel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Music Institute of Chicago, 1702 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 Attn: Elyse Fineman or online there at https://www.musicinst.org/fermata-fund. Arrangements are by Cremation Society of Illinois, 736 West Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com
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October 7 2020/ Rich Blackwell was an outstanding teacher and a true gentleman - his presence and towering intellect are missed.
Jane Delaney
Friend
October 7, 2020
When I think about instructors who made a difference in my life, his is the very first name that comes to mind. His influence will live on in those whom he loved and all who loved him.
Chris Bradie
October 31, 2013
Richard was my dear cousin. We had many childhood memories to share. I will miss him.
Cindy Smith
October 24, 2013
Richard was always very happy ,loved his job & students. Loved all the arts of entertainment Chicago offered. Always saw the good & positives of anyone or any situation. I always enjoyed his sense of humor.i will miss his smiling face, & good advice.
Sorry for his loss,
Felicia McClain
Hairstylist
Felicia McClain
October 24, 2013
I was blessed to teach with Rich Blackwell at Saint Ignatius. He was a complete gentleman with a delightful sense of humor. He was a true scholar and I counted on his insight regarding any questions I had with literary pieces.
Rich knew far more than literature - his knowledge of art, music, and the context of literary pieces was astounding.
The world is not as bright without his presence. I miss him and our chats during our free periods. He was truly one of the good ones.
Jane Delaney
October 23, 2013
Rich was always a gentleman and scholar. I had the privilege of teaching alongside him for 30 years at Saint Ignatius. Our discussions always gave me a new insight on Literature. I missed him when he retired. He was an outstanding example for his students and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
Raymond Kizelevicus
October 17, 2013
Rich was a good man and an excellent mentor to new teachers. Rich's passion for literature, keen wit and dedication to his students were admired by those who had the good fortune of teaching with him. May he rest in peace.
Maria Madigan Kelly
October 15, 2013
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Blackwell's family, friends, and colleagues.
Michael, Lisa, Justin, Alexandra, Danielle, and Nicholas LoVallo
October 15, 2013
Rich was a good friend and a great teacher.
Barbara Dwyer
October 14, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Blackwell's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at Saint Ignatius and instilled in me a deep appreciation for English Literature. He was a wonderful mentor with a wry wit who always looked the epitome of the Brit Lit professor. He will be missed.
Katie Grogan
October 14, 2013
How sad Rich's passing makes me. I had the highest respect for him, and was fortunate to work in the English department at St. Ignatius while he was department chair. He taught me a great deal; his mentorship still shapes my teaching today. I offer prayers for him, and for his loved ones.
Barbara Alvarez
October 14, 2013
Please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Your neighbors Rikke & Bob
Rikke Vognsen
October 13, 2013
Richard was a close friend and I miss him enormously. Brilliant mind. Caustic and kind. Funny and serious. Singularly original.
Jerry McGee
October 13, 2013
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