Russell David Blackledge, 66, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, Rhode Island after a stay at the VA Hospital. A man of uncommon reso

Russell David Blackledge, 66, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, Rhode Island after a stay at the VA Hospital. A man of uncommon resolve, restless curiosity, and quiet intellect, Russ lived a life that carried him from the pine-lined roads of Mississippi to distant corners of the world — always with a book nearby and a story to tell.Born on April 13, 1960, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Russ was the beloved son of the late Marie Morren and Delbert Cliffton Blackledge. Raised in Petal, MS alongside his six siblings, he formed the kind of lifelong friendships that only small towns and shared adventures can produce. Even as a boy, Russ possessed a wandering mind. Books became both refuge and passport, igniting a lifelong love of reading that would remain one of the defining threads of his life. His formative years fostered his determination and resilience, as well as his deeply generous spirit.As a young man eager to chase a life larger than the pages he devoured, Russ headed for the Gulf Coast and worked as a derrickman on offshore oil rigs. It was hard, dangerous work, and he embraced it with the toughness and determination that would characterize him throughout his life. That same fearless spirit eventually led him to enlist in the United States Army, where he proudly served as a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces. His years in service carried him across the globe, from the DMZ in Korea to the jungles of South America, exposing him to cultures, landscapes, and experiences he recounted with vivid detail and unmistakable enthusiasm.After his honorable discharge from the Army, Russ settled in Connecticut, where he made a home and raised his family. Though his travels had taken him far, some things never changed. He remained an avid reader to the end, known for keeping stacks of books in nearly every room of the house. History, adventure, biographies, novels — Russ read them all with equal enthusiasm. Reading was not simply a hobby for him; it was a lifelong companion.Yet for all the places he traveled and stories he collected, Russ’s greatest pride was always his son, Max. He found deep joy in fatherhood — from cheering at baseball games to witnessing Max begin a new chapter of his own life. Nothing brought him greater happiness than watching his son grow into the man he became. Among the many journeys he treasured, one stood above the rest: traveling to England with his son to watch Arsenal play in London — a memory he spoke of often and held close to his heart.Russ was predeceased by his parents, Marie and Delbert Blackledge, and by his siblings Carolyn and Jon. He is survived by his son, Maxfield “Max” Blackledge, and Max’s fiancée, Alexandra Collier; by his siblings Barbara, Deborah, Patricia, and Greg; and by many nieces and nephews who will remember his humor, stories, and generosity. He is also survived by his former wife and lifelong friend Katrina Blackledge (Christian Banta), with whom he remained close through the years, united always in their love and devotion to their son.A graveside service will be held at Duck River Cemetery, 12 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, Connecticut, on Monday, June 15, at 11 a.m., followed by military honors.In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or K9s For Warriors.