Stephen J. Blackner

Surrounded by his loving family, Stephen J. Blackner, 66, Harrisburg, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Harrisburg Hospital. Being present at his side during his ascent into Heaven gives them all a deep sense of peace, despite the grief they have at their own loss of his presence.

Born May 2, 1950 in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late John H. Blackner, Jr. and Jean Blackner of Penbrook. He was a 1969 graduate of Central Dauphin East High School and was a former employee of Bayard Sales.

In addition to reading his bible every night, Steve was a generous supporter of Graceway (formerly Full Gospel) Church of God in Camp Hill and was a faithful follower of Christ. Despite his affliction, he maintained an uncomplicated, childlike faith and passed this on to his children. Always patient and generous to anyone in need, he possessed a joy of living and giving that served as an inspiration to all who knew him.

Steve was always a gun enthusiast and hunter, and was a member of the Marysville Hunting Club. He also enjoyed high school football, attended as many local games as possible and even created a High School Football Pool with his family.

Prior to his accident, Steve loved riding his motorcycle and his horse and was always quite the adventurer.   He enjoyed listening to country music and eating “health food”, which, more often than not, included cheeseburgers. He loved animals, and undoubtedly looked for his dog, Taco and his horse, Ricky when he got to Heaven.

As with so many of his characteristics, his family and friends will dearly miss his sense of humor, which he employed in every situation. Whether he was giving nicknames to everyone, teaching the kids how to make prank phone calls or issuing funny challenges to them, Steve filled his life and the lives of all around him with laughter and happiness.

Surviving is his wife, Susy Moran Blackner; his mother, Jean Attick Blackner; his children: Stephanie J. Russell (and her husband, Shawn), Lewisberry, Tammy J. Schriver (and her husband, Jeffrey), New Cumberland, and Jonathan S. Blackner, Harrisburg; his stepdaughter, Karina Santana (and her husband, Emmanuel), New Cumberland; his sister, Jill E. Campbell, Harrisburg; 10 grandchildren: Josiah Russell, Ashley Russell, Erik Schriver, Evan Schriver, Elaina Schriver, Destiny Barner, Emilee Robinson, Gabriel Blackner, Leah Santana and Sofia Santana; 4 nieces and nephews: Neil Lerch, Duane Lerch, Lynnette Deitz and Timothy Campbell and their families;  many aunts, uncles, amd cousins; his Chihuahua, Coco and many, many dear friends. He was a loving son, father, brother, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend, and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held 12:00 pm Monday, April 24, 2017 at Crosspoint United Methodist Church, 430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg with Rev. Dr. Bradley A.Brown and Rev. William N. Harper officiating. Friends will be received from 10:00 am until 11:30 am at the church. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

In his memory, the family asks that each person show a gesture of kindness to all people or animals that need it, with donations, love and time.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.

Give us gladness in proportion
to our former misery!
Psalms 90:15

The Joy in your future will swallow up
the misery of your past!
Stephen's version