Harlan Alois Blackwell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harlan Alois Blackwell, long time resident of Tenafly, NJ passed away suddenly and peacefully on Saturday, April 10, 2021 with his children and grandchildren at his side. Harlan was a beloved father, father in law, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Jean Ruth Heppel Blackwell in 1990, his brother Harold J. Blackwell, Jr., sister Gwendolyn Kiessel, son Thomas Harlan Blackwell and daughter Cheryl Anne Arfmann, and second wife Eileen. Harlan is survived by his brother Alden Blackwell and family, and sister Theodora Stone and family, his children Richard and MaryJane Blackwell, Lynnaire and Ronald Vanderlinden and Robert and Leonora Blackwell, grandchildren Richard Blackwell, Jr., Melissa (Martin) Jordan, Lauren (Benji) Jarabeck, Jeannie Blackwell, Steven (Jessica) Vanderlinden, Daniel Vanderlinden, Jenna (Josh) Kelly, Jason Vanderlinden, Robert Blackwell, Kathleen Blackwell, Jennifer Blackwell, Nicole Arfmann, Alison Arfmann , Julia Arfmann as well as by 5 great granddaughters Leighla, Riley Paige, Esme, Hailey James, Harper Kate and his first great grandson due to enter our lives June 2021. Harlan was born, raised and made his home in Tenafly, NJ along with his whole line of grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, and siblings. After completing his high schooling and college education at North Carolina State University, Harlan went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree at NYU School of Business. He owned and operated Harlan A. Blackwell, Inc. where he was a skilled kitchen, bath and woodworking specialist, proud of the hard work and perfectionism he performed in many of the homes in Bergen County. Along with his father, uncles and brothers Harlan became a member of the Tenafly Fire Department, serving as Secretary for many years. He was a member of the Association of Blauvelt Descendants, documented as arriving in this country from Holland in 1637 on the tall ship Kalmar Nyckle. Harlan was a Master Mason and 60 year member of Alpine Tilden Tenakill Lodge #77, a 50 year member and Past Patron of Tilden Chapter #59 OES of NJ, a 50 year Knight of the Kappa Alpha Order, member of Hugh de Payens #1 Knights Templar, Ark of the Covenant #11 Royal Arch Masons, Zabud Council #5 Royal and Select Master Masons State of NJ, NJ York Rite, Salaam Shrine Temple Associate Member Hospital Board of Governors, Mecca Shrine #1 Temple, Member Board of Governors Boston Shriners Hospital for Children, Member Board of Governors Philadelphia Shriners Hospital for Children. Harlan was Past President of Salaam Temple Field Music, where he enjoyed playing the tenor drum and performed in many parades along the East Coast states to entertain and raise awareness for the Shriners and Shriners Hospitals. He was a member and driver of the transportation corps that provided transportation free of charge for children to medical appointments at the Shriners Hospitals in Philadelphia, and Boston, and helped sponsor children from Greece and other countries to obtain necessary medical treatment of burns in the United States they could not otherwise obtain. He tirelessly devoted many years of his life to helping children through the Shriners Hospitals. His ethic of hard work, duty to others and helping those in need never diminished. Contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children would be greatly appreciated, at www.donate.lovetotherescue.org. Visitation at the Barrett-Leber Funeral Home 148 Dean Dr Tenafly on Wednesday 2-7PM. Funeral Service Thursday 12:30PM at the funeral home. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery Nyack, NY.