Obituary of Dana Blackwell

Dana J. Blackwell, 89, of 259 Hillside Ave., died Thursday evening June 14, 2007 at his home. He was the husband of Verna (Anderson) Blackwell. Mr. Blackwell was born in Meriden, August 4, 1917, a son of the late Herbert and Helen (Highriter) Blackwell. He was raised in Naugatuck, and educated in the local schools and graduated from Munson Academy and Tufts University. After 10 years of teaching Mathematics, English, Latin, and German, he spent over 25 years in engineering, designing aircraft instrument systems, a field in which he received a number of patents. Following his retirement from Lewis Engineering Co., he served as Vice-President and Chief Engineer of the E. Howard Clock and Watch Co. in Waltham, Mass. and a Curator and Horological Consultant to the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, Ct. Mr. Blackwell was the founding President of the Naugatuck Historical Society and had also served as Treasurer and Vice-President of the Conn. League of Historical Societies and was Borough Historian for the Borough of Naugatuck. Interests in education have included, serving on the boards of two private schools and as Chairman of the Naugatuck Board of Education. Since an early age, clock and watch restoration has been a field of considerable interest, resulting in consultation for leading museums as well as articles for American and foreign publications. He was a member of the Hillside Covenant Church. Besides his wife of 54 years he leaves 3 cousins. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday June 20th at 11 a.m. at the Hillside Covenant Church. A private graveside service will be held in Grove Cemetery, Naugatuck. There are no calling hours. The Alderson Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 210 Meadow St. is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Hillside Covenant Church, 100 Hillside Ave., Naugatuck, 06770 or to a charity of the donors choice.