Edmund Blacksmith

Ed Blacksmith, aged 74, of Carlisle (formerly of Redondo Beach CA), passed away on April 16, 2024 at Cumberland Crossings. He was born August 1, 1949 in Carlisle, PA, the second child of Aurelia (nee Toconita) and Gary Blacksmith Sr. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Carlisle and in Los Angeles, graduating from Boiling Springs High School in 1967. He went on to get a computer engineering degree from Drexel University, and was a proud member of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity. Ed spent his career as an aerospace and computer software engineer, building up a successful business, Blacksmith Software Consulting. His contracts took him all over the world, working on everything from space shuttles to the mainframe computers that still operate parts of the London Underground.  

 Ed married his high school sweetheart, Margaret (nee Park), in 1969 and they have been together ever since. They travelled to all 50 states together over many road trips, and shared a love of camping and the outdoors. They moved to southern California in 1972, and lived there until this past year, when they relocated back to Carlisle. They have one daughter, named Katherine.

 A train aficionado, Ed collected Lionel model trains and was a lifetime member of the Train Collectors Association. He also loved fast cars, and was very happy to offer anyone a spin in his Porsche. Craft beers and wine tasting adventures in California were a frequent pastime - he loved IPAs and Chardonnay particularly. He appreciated sipping anejo tequila, playing hearts with his buddies, and a good steak. Ed's sense of humor always made time spent with him memorable.

 Ed was preceded in death by his brothers John and Henry, and is survived by his wife Margaret Blacksmith of Carlisle, his daughter Katie Adams, son in law Ben Adams, and his grandchildren Jane and Wesley, all of Stamford UK, his brother Dr. Gary Blacksmith Jr (Eldora) of Carlisle, his brother Jack Blair of Sequim, WA, his nephew Gary Blacksmith (Carole) of Carlisle, niece Rebecca Neumann of Carlisle, nephew William Blacksmith (Stephanie) of Cornwall, NY and extended family.  

A funeral service will be held on Friday April 26, 2024 at 11am at Community Christian Fellowship, 360 York Road, Carlisle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cancer Support Community South Bay. https://www.cscsouthbay.org