It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Life Member, past Chief, and friend of many, Richard ‘Cat’ Blankenship. Cat answered his last alarm in the early morning hours on July 20, 2023. He passed away in his home, surrounded by family. Richard was born in Riverdale, Maryland on December 29, 1952. He is preceded in death by his son, Rich, his four siblings, and his parents. He moved to Laurel, Maryland in 1962 where he met the love of his life, Mary. They celebrated 49 years of marriage on May 4, 2023.

Richard is survived by his wife, Mary, his daughter Nicole , his six grandchildren: Zachary, Tyler, Alex, Allyson, Andrew, and Nicholas and his great granddaughters Cali Rose, and Camryn. Richard is also survived by his nieces and nephews.

He spent the majority of his lifetime serving the community around him. He served the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department for 54 years where he served in all operational roles including fire chief for many years. He also served as a Career Howard County Firefighter for 35 years where he was battalion chief at multiple stations. He retired in 2008, and began work as a Fire Marshal for the City of Laurel. He retired from the City of Laurel in 2021.

Cat enjoyed his retirement with his wife Mary, and they spent a lot of time together taking trips to the casino. He was someone who always had a story, thrived on serving his community, and teaching upcoming men and women how to be the best you can be in any environment. Richard is known as a family man and takes pride in the family he has raised. He will be sorely missed by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department membership.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Laurel Volunteer Fire Department (Station 10) or, Savage Volunteer Fire Company (Station 6).

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