WENDELL, MA – Theles John Blackbird, 79, of Bullard Road died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 surrounded by loved ones after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Winchendon on September 19, 1947, he was the son of the late Thelesfad and Joan (Deegan) Blackbird and was raised in Orange. On October 12, 1968, he married Florence (Clark) whom he met during his teen years at the White Cloud Restaurant where she worked as a carhop. They enjoyed 57 loving years of marriage together while raising their two sons in their post and beam home which Jay built from the ground up.
As a teen he worked for C.V. Trucking, owned by Harry Lyman. Many times throughout his life he would say how blessed he was to have been granted such trust at such a young age to drive dump trucks. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was schooled as a mechanic of turbine engines for Chinook helicopters. Jay was part of the 1st Air Cavalry Division. He served for one year in Viet Nam and later returned to the states to work on Huey helicopters. After his years of service, he dabbled in logging with Chester Clark, his father-in-law. In addition, Jay served as a part time Wendell police officer. Jay joined his father, Thelesfad, in the family electrical business which he eventually took over. Towards the end of his career he became the wiring inspector for the Town of Orange.
One of Jay’s many joys in life was being Scoutmaster for Troop 344 while his sons were in scouting. He was a long time member of the North Congregational Church of New Salem where he served on the Building and Finance Committee. He was an avid reader and enjoyed taking care of his homestead.
Jay is survived by his loving wife, Florence Blackbird, sons Cain Blackbird (Jen) of Orange and Chad Blackbird (Mandy) of Wendell. In addition to being predeceased by his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Kirk A. Blackbird.
Jay also leaves behind three grandsons whom he adored and was their biggest fan:
Gage (Gabby) and Oliver (Sophia) Blackbird of North Orange and Colby Blackbird of Wendell.
In addition, four step-grandchildren Tiffany Tenney of Orange, MacKenzie Riley (Cole) of Orange, Tori Tenney of Northampton, Jake Tenney of Athol and two Step great-grandchildren, Tillie and Brooks Riley of Orange.
A funeral will be held on Friday, October 2nd at 10:00 am at the North Congregational Church of New Salem, 60 Elm Street, New Salem, Massachusetts followed by a burial service at South Cemetery in Orange. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the North Congregational Church of New Salem, 60 Elm Street, New Salem MA 01355 or Pioneer Valley Hospice 101 Munson Street Suite 103 Greenfield, MA 01301
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange will be assisting the family.
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