Ronald Blackwood
Ronald Blackwood | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Mount Vernon, New York | |
| In office February 4, 1985 – December 31, 1995 | |
| Preceded by | Carmella Iaboni |
| Succeeded by | Ernest D. Davis |
| In office August 29, 1976 – December 31, 1976 | |
| Preceded by | August P. Petrillo |
| Succeeded by | Thomas E. Sharpe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 January 1926 |
| Died | 22 February 2017 (aged 91) |
| Party | Democratic (since 1981)[1] |
| Other political affiliations | Republican (1960–1981)[1] |
| Spouse | Ann Griffin Blackwood |
Ronald Alexander Blackwood (January 19, 1926 – February 22, 2017) was a Jamaican-born American politician who served as the mayor of Mount Vernon, New York, for eleven years – from 1985 until 1996.
On January 25, 1985, Blackwood became the first African-American person in New York state to be elected as the mayor of a municipality.[1][2][3]
Biography
Blackwood was born in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica, on January 19, 1926.[1] He immigrated from Jamaica to the United States at the age of 28 and settled in the New York City suburb of Mount Vernon, New York.[3] He received his bachelor's degree in management from Iona College.[3]
Career
Professionally, Blackwood worked for the Honeywell Corporation's medical electronics division in Pleasantville, New York, for more than 30 years.[3]
Before becoming mayor, Blackwood served as a member of the Westchester County Board of Supervisors (now known as the Westchester County Board of Legislators) and the Mount Vernon city council for four terms.[3][1]
Death
Blackwood died from complications of Parkinson's disease at his home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on February 22, 2017, at the age of 91.[3] He was survived by his wife and daughter.[3]
Personal life
Blackwood was married to his wife of 38 years, Ann Griffin Blackwood.[3] The couple had a daughter, Helen Blackwood.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e Williams, Lena (1985-01-30). "Man in the News; Milestone for New Mt. Vernon Mayor". New York Times. Retrieved 2017-03-19.
- ^ Eberhart, Christopher J. (2017-02-23). "Former Mount Vernon mayor, New York's first elected black mayor has died". The Journal News. Retrieved 2017-03-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Spillane, Matt (2017-02-27). "Service set for former Mount Vernon mayor Ronald Blackwood". The Journal News. Retrieved 2017-03-19.