Thomas Blackham

Thomas J. Blackham, 63, of Berlin Heights, OH died Sunday, February 17, 2013 at his residence after a brief illness. Thomas was born September 30, 1949 in Chelsea, MA, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 53 years. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served with the 101st Airbourne Division from 1967 to 1970 with the last year served in Vietnam. Thomas was a supervisor for Ford Motor Co., Lorain Assembly Plant retiring in 1998. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion. Thomas is survived by his wife Peggy J. (nee Hamrick); daughter Samantha (Paul) Gotsis of Berlin Heights; son Thomas Blackham of Elyria; grandchildren Sammy, Kaylee, Zachary, Taylor, August, Noah, and Parker; brothers Joseph (Catherine) Blackham of Vermilion, Walter (Dorothy) Blackham of North Ridgeville, and Robert (Tina) Blackham of Aurora, OH and a daughter in law, Jill Tansey of Vermilion. He was preceded in death by his parents August and Josephine (Kowalski) Blackham. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 10:30 am at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion with the Reverend Ronald Brickner officiating and military honors conducted by Vermilion Veterans Council. Memorial contributions in Thomas's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society Ohio Division Inc. 10501 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106, or New Life Hospice 3600 Kolbe Rd, Lorain, OH 44052. Riddle Funeral Home 5345 South St., Vermilion, OH is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.