LARRY BLACKLOCK

ADDISON — Larry Blacklock, 71, of Addison passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Oct. 8, 2024, after a six-year battle with cancer. He was born on July 5, 1953, the son of William and Martha (Benedict) Blacklock.

Larry was a lifelong farmer, firefighter, and active community member who enjoyed bowling, hunting, motorcycles, gardening and most of all, being with his family.

Larry was born on his family’s dairy farm in Addison, Vt., and farming was his way of life and how he would later raise his own children. In 1971, after graduating high school, he joined the Addison Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) and was an active member for 53 years. Larry held an officer position for 26 years; Pumper Lieutenant 1977-1982, Second Assistant Chief 1982-1988, and First Assistant Chief 1988-2003.  Larry became a Life Member of AVFD in 2016 and received the Addison County Firefighters Association (ACFA) Chief Officer of the Year award in 2000. During this time, he was also a training officer and was on the Truck Committee to plan and purchase the first brand new pumper for the department.

As an extension of AVFD Larry was also Addison County Fire Investigator from 2006-2018, a passionate member of the ACFA Scholarship Committee for over 20 years, and a Charter Member of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, VT.IV. Chapter, since 2008. His commitment to the community also included being an Addison Town Zoning Administrator, a member of the Lake View Cemetery Committee, and a member of the Tri-Town Water Board from 1994-2024, along with various other positions over the years.

Larry sold the dairy farm in 1992 as the farming landscape was changing and it wouldn’t be the path forward for the family. In 1995 Larry’s career path changed as he started working for the Vermont State Highway Department out of Middlebury. Larry became Road Captain and was dedicated to maintaining safe roads during the worst weather. He stayed in this role until his retirement in 2016. Even during his time at the Highway Department and in retirement he continued working for local farms when they needed him — farming was always a part of him.

Larry is survived by his four daughters, their spouses and partners, six grandchildren, and his daughters’ mother. They include daughters Kristi Blacklock (Matthew Gratton), Mary Blacklock (Dennis Poole), Bridget Blacklock (Nathan Hayes), and Rebecca Blacklock (Josh Mandell); grandchildren Chessley Blacklock-Votava (Mary Blacklock-Votava), Genevieve Jackman, Idalee Jackman, Kryllin Mandell, Attilia Mandell, and Atticus LaBarre; and mother to his children, Jennifer Blacklock Lowe. He is also survived by lifelong friends Todd and Dawn Reed and close family friend Jonathan Zimmer. Also, he is survived by his siblings Donna Sumner, Andrea Blacklock, and Rodney Blacklock.

Larry was predeceased by his parents, William Blacklock of Addison and Martha Blacklock of Vergennes.

Brown-McClay Funeral Home at 48 South Maple St. in Vergennes will host visiting hours on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, from 4-6 p.m.

A funeral service is set for Monday, Oct. 14, beginning at 11 a.m., at West Addison United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Lake View Cemetery. Light snacks and refreshments will follow at West Addison Community House.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Addison Volunteer Fire Department Pumper Fund. “AVFD” at 44 VT-17, Addison, VT 05491. ◊