V. Joseph Blackstone

V Joseph "Joe" Blackstone was born August 31, 1945 in Alexandria, Louisiana. He was the 5th child of Bertha Geystan Blackstone and John Seldon Blackstone, Jr. He was baptized at St. James Church in Alexandria, LA and at Beulah Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. Joseph served in the US Army with a tour in Viet Namand was awarded a Purple Heart. Joe, aka Pepe, aka Joey, aka Val, aka Stone, was a talented visual artist and creator of art. He worked in many mediums, but especially loved wood for its warmth and color and durability, a reflection of himself. He was just as talented in the graphic arts and in poetry. But most of all, his talent was in working with children and young people who needed to find their way. He had an incredible capacity to understand and empathize with others. He worked many years as a Youth Counselor in NY State and co-led a group home with his wife, Sylvia Yvette. Joseph was a fascinating storyteller and oral historian, whose memory and recall helped him to excel in school, college, and in the workplace. He loved the blues. He loved singing, and had a wonderful voice. He signed a record contract in the mid 1960s with Seven Arts Management, but without an agent, was not able to fund the recording needed to follow through. He remembered every joke he ever heard and had a keen sense of humor. Practical jokes made him constantly in demand for a fun time. Joe is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 37 years, Sylvia Yvette. He is survived also by seven children: Anita, Joseph, Jr., Shakira, Chris, Raul, Carlos, Keila . He has twelve beautiful grandchildren, and nine brothers and sisters. He has 23 nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. He has many, many "play" children, dear and close friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who will all miss his "joie de vivre" and passion for life. V. Joseph Blackstone, Sr. passed away at home after a long and painful illness.