Lawrence W. Blackman

Lawrence W. “Larry” Blackman, 81, died at SUNY Upstate on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 following a brief illness.

Born on August 11, 1943, in Norwich, Larry was a son of the late Frederick and Bertha (Manwarren) Blackman. He grew up in Preston and graduated from Norwich High School in 1962. From 1965-1967, Larry served in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge. Upon his return to Norwich, he worked for Mid-York Press on Front Street in Norwich before the company moved operations to Sherburne. Larry held many positions at Mid-York Press including truck driving, pressman, and foreman, until his retirement in 2008.

Larry enjoyed deer hunting (especially with his dad), fishing, boating, water skiing, and loved camping. He was a member of the National Camper and Hikers Association and a former member of the Preston Fire Department. Larry greatly enjoyed his sheltie dogs over the years, and recently cared for his sheltie, Amy, and a cat, Willis.

On August 26, 1967 in McDonough, NY, Larry married Jean Shipton, who survives him. Additionally, Larry is survived by his brothers, Donald (Rosemary) Blackman, of Preston and Milton (Virginia) Blackman, of East Pharsalia; nieces, Renee Setford, of Arizona, Tonya (Eric) Brownell, of Connecticut, Tammy (Drew) DeForest, of East Pharsalia, and Heather Blackman, of East Pharsalia; many great nieces, nephews, and cousins; and neighbors and dear friends, Marty and Donna Morse, of South Plymouth.

A memorial service for Larry will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Wilson Funeral Home, 68 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Preston Fire District, 124 County Road 19, Oxford, NY, 13830 or to the Preston Methodist Church, 1469 County Road 18, Oxford, NY 13830.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.