John Bruce Blackburn passed away on August 10, 2025 in his home at age 71, his loving family by his side.
In 1954, John was adopted at age 4 months by his loving parents, Betty and Ildon Blackburn of Colts Neck, NJ. He joined his sister, Rachel, at the family farm. He attended Colts Neck schools and for high school, John went to Williston Academy in Massachusetts. He graduated from Monmouth College with a BA in German languages, and Rutgers University with a Masters in German language and literature. John spoke 6 languages fluently, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. He taught ESL for both Brookdale Community College and Rutgers University. He traveled the world with his wife using his language gifts.
He married his one and only, Cathy Blackburn (nee Blatz) in 1981 and spent 43 years getting to know her. They lived in Eatontown and Freehold, and in 2002 back to the family farm in Colts Neck. They grew blueberries and Christmas trees with their adopted son, Ruben Campos from Belize.
John was a member of Tower Hill Presbyterian Church for 70 years. He was baptized, confirmed and married there. His faith was unwavering.
John will be missed, especially at diners – he was a generous tipper. He loved hats, cats and dogs. He always had a book in hand.
He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Ildon Blackburn. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Cathy Blackburn. His sister, Rachel Robbins and her daughters Jessica (Jon) and Holly (Q) and their sons, Lucas and Noah. He will be missed by Ruben Campos, his very special adopted son, and family. All Blatz siblings, Anne, (Eric), Teresa, (Tom), Joe and Paul. Nieces and nephews, Brent, James (Meghan), Phil, Betsy and Theo and their families.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14th from 5-8 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 15th at 11 am at Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank NJ 07701. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dominican Republic mission at Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, Red Bank, NJ would be appreciated.
Dear Reader,
I remember John Blackburn as a fellow student at Williston Academy, followed by our final year as students at Williston-Northampton School, from which we both graduated in the early 70’s. Fifty-three years separate our parting in 1972 and I cannot recall whether we spoke at any of the several reunions I attended in later years. The sorry fact is we had all changed physically to such a degree it was sometimes impossible to discern who we were unless looking at our respective name tags. Who we became intellectually was another matter. Reading John’s obituary is a case in point. So many accomplishments after he left Williston, none to be predicted, and yet one sensed when in John’s presence that he would turn out to be a fine and successful person at whatever he turned his hand to. I regret to hear of his passing. And my sincere condolences to his family.
Very sad to hear about the passing of my one-time bestie Blacks. For several years at Williston we were pretty much inseparable and enjoyed ( or should I say “survived.”? ) various high jinks and mischief. Regrettably, we lost touch over the years but I have frequently recalled him and our friendship when passing by our former haunts which I still inhabit. Sincere condolences to his family. Hope we’ll pass around a bottle of Boone’s Farm apple wine again sometime in another realm.
A true friend. John and I lived across the hall from one another in Ford Hall. He and his room mate Ted Sexton and I would religiously have pizza (Za) just about every weekend together. Our other partner in crime Steve Bunker would also join in with our escapades. The last time I saw “Blackie” was at our fortieth reunion. ” Bunks” was there but unfortunately Ted passed away. Three of my closet buddies have now all passed and will be surely missed by me. Hopefully they have met up in heaven and can keep an eye on me. Bless you guys, Charlie