| Graduation Year | Class of 1968 |
| Date of Passing | May 14, 2018 |
| About | John Thomas Blankenship, 69, of Middletown, RI passed away peacefully at Newport Hospital on Monday, May 14, 2018 after a long courageous battle with Mantle cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. John was born to Wiley T. and Julia A. Blankenship of Middletown, RI. He will always be remember as a loving brother, uncle, and friend who always had a helping hand ready to assist anyone in need and a crazy sense of humor. John was born on April 8, 1949 in Oceanside, California. John graduated from Middletown High School in 1967 and attended Johnson & Wales University, University of Rhode Island and graduated from Roger Williams College with an education degree. He taught at Gaudet School for 2 years. After layoffs from the naval departure, John worked for the director of the shipyard for 11 years. He rescued many a stray or feral cat, at one point he had 8 cats. He happily worked for the City of Newport for 22 years. He was the ambassador of Easton’s Beach and also worked at the Hut. John was always seen at the beach with a smile on his face, sparkling blue eyes and a helping hand for anyone in need. John was a teaser to all who knew him from toddlers to seniors and could make anyone and everyone laugh. He was a history buff, especially when it came to WWII as a teen he took drum lessons but he also had an ear for music. He played piano, organ, harmonica, and loved the guitar. His favorite moments were sitting in the backyard with his sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews teasing everyone over barbequing and playing guitars and singing. His eyes were as big and blue as the Newport coastline. John is survived his sisters, Joyce A. Withers of Dix Hills, NY, Patti Visser of Middletown, RI and Paul W. Blankenship of Washington, DC. He is predeceased by Dennis M. Blankenship. He also leaves nieces and nephews; Sean, Dan, Bryan, Denise, Stephanie, Craig, Lexi, Tory and Tia and grand nieces and grand nephews. At John’s request burial will be private. A celebration of John’s life is planned for June. |
