"I came to New York to work in a bigtime computer magazine, a terrified stranger in one of the strangest lands of all. I had no idea what to do, what to write, who to talk to. I couldn\'t even pronounce \"proscuitto.\" Jonathan opened his arms for a welcome hug, and from that moment I knew it would be fine. That first year he talked me down off the ceiling more times than I care to remember. When he told me that he and Dean were moving to Austin, all I could think was that this gentle, man-about-town was moving to the land of bigots and liable to get them both killed. \"Cynthia,\" he said, trying not to roll his eyes, \"Austin is NOT like that, there\'s art and music and we\'ll be fine.\" Of course they were, and when I was down that way we\'d have dinner and chat about his life as a pseudo-Texan. When he told me he was leaving editorial for teaching, I thought, \"God, he\'s going to be the most incredible teacher...\" and he was. He\'s been an encouraging voice in the background for years, and I\'m going to miss the hell out of him. Ave, Jonathan. Dean, if there\'s something you need, please let me know."
In loving memory of
William Jonathan Blackwood
April 8, 1953 - May 18, 2020
William Jonathan Blackwood, 67, of Austin, Texas, passed away the morning of Monday, May 18, 2020 in Austin Seton Medical Center. Jonathan was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Harold and Bonnie Blackwood on April 8, 1953.
Jonathan went to High School at North Little Rock High and graduated in 1971. He earned his bachelor's degree in History from Arkansas Tech (He was always proud to be a Wonder Boy) and his master's degree in English from St. Edward's University. Jonathan was an avid history and movie buff, embraced the visual arts and loved all animals, but especially dogs. He said that he learned what true unconditional love was from his first dog Jasmin who was with him when he first got together with his future husband Dean in New York City.
Jonathan started his career in marketing for Architectural firms. He loved computers and shifted his focus to editing and reviewing for Dennis Publishing and later Windows Magazine. His innate teaching skills led him to teaching High School at Crockett in Austin, Texas and also online English classes for the College of Southern Nevada. Things came full circle when he joined forces with his husband to become Principal at StudioSIX5, heading up Communications and successfully expanding the design firm's reach.
Jonathan was a gentle soul, the ultimate friend, teacher, writer and husband. Once he bonded with someone, he stayed in touch and utilized Facebook as a benevolent tool to do so. He stayed in touch with friends as far back as grade school. To his close friends, he would put their needs before his own by taking months off of work to nurse someone back to health, build a computer to help them with school assignments, help financially to get them over a difficult period in their lives or just be there to listen and commiserate.
As a teacher he mentored his students so they were excited to learn and showed them different views and the possibilities that lay ahead. He never forgot any of his students and followed them as they journeyed into their future. One of his Crockett High students even followed him to StudioSIX5! But his passion for teaching was not just in school but every facet of life. He was a stickler for grammar whether he knew you or not and always shared historical facts and figures. He had a wealth of knowledge and life experience which he enjoyed sharing with his staff and friends.
Jonathan's artistic expression was through writing and he was very proud of his skills. Whether through a press release, social media, op-ed piece, letter, poetry or short story, his message was always clear, accessible, witty and smart. He was a true wordsmith.
Being a husband was the highlight of his life and something he never expected as a young gay man growing up in the south. After 24 years together and as soon as it became possible to legally marry the love of his life Dean, they did so in Palm Springs, California on May 30, 2014.
Jonathan is survived by his husband Dean Maddalena and his two fur babies Bonnie and Phyllis, his father Harold Blackwood of North Little Rock, Arkansas, his brother Dan Blackwood and sister-in-law Patti Blackwood of Prescott, Arizona, and his niece McCarthy Blackwood and great-nephew Stewart Cox of Prescott, Arizona. He is preceded in death by his mother Bonnie Blackwood.
A Memorial Celebration Service will be scheduled at a later date when a safe venue can be secured and will be announced via social media.
In lieu of flowers and food, Dean asks that you donate in Jonathan's name to one of his favorite charities:
Society For Animal Rescue & Adoption, SARA/JonathanBlackwood or send check to SARA, PO Box 813, Seguin, Texas 78156-0813
Austin Pets Alive, APA/JonathanBlackwood
Meals on Wheels, MOWCTX/JonathanBlackwood
Emancipet EP/JonathanBlackwood
Family Eldercare, FE/JonathanBlackwood When processing the payment, check the field This gift is: in honor, memory, or support of someone and fill in Jonathan's name.
Tributes
"Dean and other family, Jonathan was simply one of the kindest, thoughtful, most authentic people I have ever met. Dean, you probably recall that I was fortunate to work with him in the MLA program at St. Edward\'s, and the whole program was graced by his presence and gifts. What a loss to a world so in need of just this kind of human being! Peace and grace as you navigate life without him."
"Words can never express how much Jonathan will be missed. He was so bright in both spirit and mind and was a loving partner in life to my brother, Dean. I will always count myself lucky to have known him. Love you, Jonathan!"
"Johnathan was always a delight to be around! Full of joy, great stories, and laughter! I will miss you my Friend! My Condolences to Dean and all of the Family!"
"Jonathan was an extraordinary man. Brilliant, generous, funny and kind, he was a joy as a friend and colleague. I extend my condolences to Dean, Jonathan\'s family and his dear friends. This is a heartbreaking loss. Mary Wasiak"
"Jonathan was such a kind, generous and gentle person. He had so much to offer us and taught us to be kind to one another. In this time of great sorrow, I offer Dean and the rest of Jonathan?s family, condolences and prayers. Jonathan will be missed. Sissy Camacho Anderson "
"There is nothing to be said which could adequately commemorate or describe the wonderful being that was Jonathan. I am fortunate to have known him and treasure the wonderful times spent with him and Dean in New York as well as in later years when they came to Arkansas to visit family. I will hold on to the many positive memories of him as the beautiful, flawed human he was (which he embraced), who was taken from us much too soon. I will take comfort in my memories of Jonathan as an incomparable friend we will dearly miss. I love you Dean and am here to support you in whatever way you need. ?? - Victoria "