Ralph G. Blackstock Jr., Countryside Convalescent Home, East Lackawannock Township, and formerly of Charleston Road, Jefferson Township, passed away at 7:00 a.m. Monday (3-30-09) in the home following an extended illness. He was 60.
He was born on October 23, 1948 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of Ralph G. and Gloria Eichelman Blackstock.
A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Hickory High School in 1966 and he also attended Youngstown State University.
Ralph was employed as a computer operator for First National Bank in their Hermitage data center for 23 years.
He was an avid reader and he loved to watch and collect cinema movies for home entertainment.
During the Vietnam Conflict, he served with the United States Air Force in Okinawa and was honorably discharged in 1970.
He is survived by his two brothers, Ronald W. Blackstock, and Raymond Blackstock , both Mercer, and Raymond's girlfriend Lori Zulauf of New Castle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a brother Russell G. Blackstock.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Regional Health System Hospice and Palliative Care Program, 2320 Highland Road, Hermitage 16148.
Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday (4-1-09) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.
Services: Funeral service 10:00 a.m. Thursday (4-2-09) in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Nelson Thayer, pastor of East Brook Methodist Church, New Castle officiating.
Interment: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.