Jesse Frank Blackmon obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Jesse Frank Blackmon was born on October 12, 1935, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Ebb and Jessie S. Blackmon. He was the eighth of ten children. In 1948, Jesse moved with his family to New Haven, Connecticut, where he built a life marked by faith, service, family, and community.

Jesse attended Webster Elementary School and graduated from Hillhouse High School, formerly known as Boardman Trade School. Throughout his career, he worked for Seamless Rubber Company, Pepsi-Cola, White Rock Beverages, and ultimately retired after many years of dedicated service with the New Haven Housing Authority. Never one to remain idle, he also worked part-time with the New Haven Parks & Recreation Department as a softball umpire and basketball referee, while pursuing various other ventures that reflected his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

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A gifted musician, Jesse shared his talents by playing the piano and organ for numerous churches and community groups. As a faithful member of the Mt. Zion Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hamden, CT, he also served as the Adventist Youth Ministries (formerly Missionary Volunteers) leader at his church. He believed in keeping young people active, engaged, and encouraged, organizing memorable activities such as hayrides, bicycle trips, roller skating outings, and many other wholesome adventures. His love for young people was also evident in the many years he devoted to coaching basketball. He enjoyed bowling and earned numerous trophies throughout his years in the sport.

Following his retirement, Jesse relocated to Port Charlotte, Florida, where he made his home for more than twenty years. Retirement did not slow him down. He remained actively involved in his local church, Port Charlotte Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church, and community, continuing a lifetime of faithful service and building meaningful relationships. In 2024, due to health challenges, Jesse returned to Connecticut to be closer to family.

On July 19, 2026, Jesse was called to rest from his labors. He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Ramonia M. Blackmon, who passed away on January 15, 2010; his parents, Ebb and Jessie Blackmon; and all of his siblings - Ebb Blackmon, Jr., Harold Blackmon, James Blackmon, Katherine Dawson, George Blackmon, Doris Blackmon, Mamie Kelley, Margaret Tucker, and Patricia Harris.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Sidney Blackmon (Stacy); his daughter, Rebecca Blackmon; his four beloved grandchildren, Milaana Blackmon, JaKobi Blackmon-Boston, Sean Blackmon, and Spencer Blackmon; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, generosity, and steadfast, jovial spirit.

Jesse will be remembered for using his musical gifts in service to his Lord, dedication to mentoring young people, community engagement, unwavering work ethic, and genuine love for his family. Though he will be deeply missed, his music, mentorship, laughter, and example will live on in all who knew and loved him. His legacy of service, compassion, and joyful living will continue to inspire generations to come.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Jesse on Saturday July 25, 2026 from 4 to 8 PM at the Cadence on Canal, 222 Canal Street, New Haven CT 06511.. Burial will be private at Hamden Plains Cemetery.