John Bruce Blackburn passed away Aug. 10, 2025, in his home at age 71, his loving family by his side.
In 1954, John was adopted at age 4 months by his loving parents, Betty and Ildon Blackburn of Colts Neck. He joined his sister, Rachel, on the family farm. He attended Colts Neck schools before going to Williston Academy in Massachusetts for high school. John graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in German languages and from Rutgers University with a master’s in German language and literature. He spoke six languages fluently, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.
John taught ESL for both Brookdale Community College and Rutgers University. He traveled the world with his wife, using his language gifts.
He married his one and only, Cathy Blackburn née Blatz in 1981 and spent 43 years getting to know her. They lived in Eatontown and Freehold, and, in 2002, moved back to the family farm in Colts Neck. They grew blueberries and Christmas trees with their son, Ruben Campos, who was adopted from Belize.
John was a member of Tower Hill Presbyterian Church for 70 years. He was baptized, confirmed and married there. His faith was unwavering.
John will be missed, especially at diners – he was a generous tipper. He loved hats, cats and dogs. He always had a book in hand.
He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Ildon Blackburn. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Cathy Blackburn; and his sister, Rachel Robbins, and her daughters, Jessica (Jon) and Holly (Q) and their sons, Lucas and Noah. He will be missed by Ruben Campos, his very special adopted son, and family; all the Blatz siblings, Anne (Eric), Teresa (Tom), Joe and Paul; and nieces and nephews, Brent, James (Meghan), Phil, Betsy and Theo and their families.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14 at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dominican Republic mission at Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, Red Bank, would be appreciated.
The article originally appeared in the August 7 – 13, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
