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Fredrick L. Blackhurst Jr.

July 17, 1950 ~ December 29, 2025

Born in: Heidelburg, Germany
Resided in: Franklin, Pennsylvania

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Fred Blackhurst, Jr., 75, of Franklin, PA, peacefully passed away on December 29, 2025. Born in Germany on July 17, 1950, he was the son of Fred and Adelaide Blackhurst. He is survived by his wife Candi; son Mike (Beth); daughter Leesa (Jeff); sister Peggy (Tom); brother-in-law Chip (Lynda); and seven grandchildren: Lily, Freddie, Garrett, Grant, Addy, Eli, and Emmy. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Lori and sister Becky (Gary).

Fred’s family was the pride of his life. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. After meeting at Westminster College, Fred and Candi were married for 53 years. Fred lit up at family gatherings, sharing time and attention with cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and in-laws. He proudly cared for his parents as they aged in his childhood home and loved raising his grandson Freddie.

Fred loved sports, especially youth athletics, football, and the Franklin Knights. Throughout his life as a player and coach, sports were a guiding influence: a place to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, mentorship, self-discipline, and character. Prone to “giving 110 percent,” Fred earned many individual athletic achievements, including recognition as a Little All-American at Westminster and Franklin’s Lifetime Achievement Award, but was most proud of the relationships he forged and his influence on generations of players.

Fred also loved his community of Franklin, PA, where he spent nearly his entire life. He was a dedicated teacher, mentor, volunteer, and parishioner, and felt blessed to have lifelong friendships throughout the community. He deeply appreciated Franklin’s institutions, particularly St. Patrick’s Church, Franklin Area High School, Vision Quest, and the YMCA, and enjoyed giving back.

Fred was a devout Roman Catholic throughout his life, guided by the Church’s teachings of honesty, integrity, humility, and generosity.

Later in life, Fred enjoyed Franklin’s bike trails and telling jokes – maybe two, three, or fourteen, often the same ones. His appetite for ice cream also grew. He could be found suspiciously lingering near the ice cream refrigerator at the Caring Place, whose dedicated staff and residents cared for him daily as he fought Parkinson’s disease.

Guest will be received at Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. on Thursday, January 1st from 1pm to 4 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Friday, January 2nd at 11:00 am with Father James Campbell as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in his name to the Franklin YMCA, 111 W. Park Street, Franklin, PA 16323; Franklin Red & Black Booster Club, 246 Pone Lane, Franklin, PA 16323; and/or St. Patrick Catholic Church, 952 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Fred’s Book of Memories online at WarrenFH.com.

Services

Public Viewing: Thursday, January 1, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.
1315 Chestnut Street
Franklin, PA 16323

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Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, January 2, 2026 11:00 am

St. Patrick Catholic Church
949 Liberty Street
Franklin, PA 16323

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2026-01-02 11:00:00 2026-01-02 11:00:00 FredrickL. BlackhurstMass of Christian Burial Mass of Christian Burial 949 Liberty Street,Franklin, PA 16323

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Fredrick L. Blackhurst 's name.

Franklin Red & Black Booster Club

246 Pone Lane

Franklin,

Pennsylvania

16323

Franklin YMCA

11 West Park Street

Franklin,

Pennsylvania

16323

St. Patrick Catholic Church

952 Buffalo Street

Franklin,

Pennsylvania

16323

Memories Timeline

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Guestbook

  2. One of my favorite men of all time. His balance of love and humor were so special. I will miss his “Uncle Fred” jokes…they were the predecessor to the dad joke 😃 Love and prayers to all of us who loved him.

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  3. A man of faith and character! He coached our FHS team to a winning season (class of 82), with a no non-sense approciate that he lived himself. I can remember his dedication to keeping fit and hi dedication to his faith! You left an imprint on my life, that you may not have been aware of! RIP

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  6. Deepest sympathy extended to Candy and Fred’s family. I had Fred as a teacher in high school at FHS. I also got to know him better from the fitness center at the Y and he always had a joke for me. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  8. My memory of is Fred is at the old Franklin YMCA weight room. He would come out all sweaty and pumped up after just completing his most heaviest lift. Fred was always a gentleman and would speak to you if he saw you. Another KNIGHT has completed the journey. R.I.P my friend .

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  9. In 1968 Franklin High had a thing called Senior Week. Underclassmen would pull pranks on seniors like kidnap them and leave them off so they would walk a long way home. Five of us came up on Fred and I’ll never forget how he neatly and gently set down his books and said, “who wants to be the first”? To this day I shudder to think of what would have happened to me if I was the dumb one that tried. Miss you Ox.

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  10. We will always remember Fred for his kindness, his compassion, his quick wit, and the many jokes he told. His support for our kids, both academically and athletically made an impact on them. Our hearts and prayers to Candi and the entire family.

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  11. Family and Friends of Fredrick L. Blackhurst Jr.,

    Fred and his family were a huge blessing to our family. His friendship was truly unconditional, uplifting and supportive. Fred’s family was priority in his life. Anyone who knew Fred, knew that was his first priority.

    Fred was a dedicated and professional educator, coach and friend. His service to the Franklin community was outstanding. His legacy will live on in the lives of those who benefited from his leadership, support and wisdom.

    “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14: 1 -3

    May God Bless and Keep You,

    Lou, Susan and Bethany Slautterback

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  12. Great coach, inspirational leader, and an amazing human being. And the man could lift some weights! You left your mark Mr. Blackhurst.

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  13. Fred was a neighbor and childhood hero of mine. My dad, teacher Don Powell loved him. Will always remember his All American photo in trophy case…Living legend came back to Franklin and I and my classmates were so fortunate to be part of his first coaching job at FHS…jr high group in 1976. He had tree trunks for forearms, amazing energy, enthusiasm, and love for football and the Team. We affectionately referred to his as Mr Hercules. He was a great coach and even greater man. At least now know he is at a better place and certainly coaching the Lords star football team. Cheers to a life well lived!

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  14. A mentor to me and a friend to our family. Mr. Blackhurst invited me to Fellowship of Christian Athletes when I was a sophomore at FHS. He became a mentor and a friend. He always showed up at my family members’ funerals. We reconnected when he went in to the Caring Place and I’d look for him when I would go to visit my dad. The one day he was at the microwave with a small container of ice cream. It took me a minute to figure out he just wanted help to warm it enough to make it easier to scoop. He was a great man and a positive influence on many of us.
    – Rick Capozzi, FHS Class of ’82 and son of Art Capozzi, retired FHS Shop Teacher

    “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

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  15. So sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of all if you.

    Suzie Dodge, Sarah Thomas, Hannah Bast, and Avery Thompson.

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  16. A man of great honor and a family that will forever feel like home to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known him and I will forever cherish the connections of our families! My deepest sympathy is with you, Candi, Leesa, and Michael.

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  17. As a member of the Caring Place Management team, I had the great opportunity to get to know Fred. Even in his diminished physical state, I can easily see why he was so admired by his former athletes. As a life long coach, we shared many stories. I was the victim of many of his jokes especially the litany of “tooth-thirty” lines! I can say that I became a loyal supplier of ice cream and occasionally a contraband snack item smuggled on my way to morning meeting. This man never gave up his “110%” mentality! To his last days, he gave every effort to be independent. I am proud to have met Fred, and will carry his drive with me through my healthcare journey. I offer my condolences and prayers to those who loved him. May God bless him.

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  18. I remember Fred from high school and watching the games at Miller Sibley a long time ago. Then my husband shared his room at The Caring Place. It was nice to see him again and reminisce. My sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace.

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  19. I got to know Fred from his playing days at WC and then his first coaching position at Mohawk H. S. Great memories of a wonderful human being.

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  20. Fred, you were always a special memory to me and an awesome person. May God bless you and keep you. May He shine His light upon you and give you peace. Always….

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  22. Starting at an early age Fred was a leader and a peacemaker . Fifty one fellow youths on the Fifth Street block and to say the least everyday was a Mark Twain adventure. When trouble arose, Fred was there always making sure that a bully would never hurt anyone of innocense. He was a wonderful person with a great heart. And of course as the years went on he never changed , with one exception. To me, Fred became more religious to his Catholic Faith. Mr. and Mrs. Blackhurst, I am sure your beloved son has also arrived. You will always be one of my best friends. Fred, see you in the future and in ending, God Bless You

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    • My sincere condolences to the Blackhurst family. Fred was always so kind and supportive in the classroom and as a track coach. May all the good memories bring you peace.

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  23. Jill and Butch Wilson,
    Candi and Fred were friends from
    Our WC days. They were in our wedding party 52 years ago. Candi was my roommate at WC and a sorority sister. Candi and Fred three wonderful children.
    May you go with God- Fred🙏

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  24. I am so sorry to hear about Freddie. I have so many great memories of our families together in Franklin. My thoughts are with all of you! Love to you, Candi. So sad for you. Love Colleen

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