David Blackburn Founded Cap and Jacket Company

David E. Blackburn Sr., 61, of Watch Hill Dr. Southbury died unexpectedly Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Waterbury hospital. He was the husband of Diane (Lautenschlager) Blackburn.

Mr. Blackburn was born August 25, 1944, in New York city, the son of the late Elbert F. and Irene (Schulte) Blackburn. He was a veteran of the Air Force during the Vietnam era and was the founding president of the U.S. Cap and Jacket Company in Prospect, Conn., where they manufactured baseball-style caps that were supplied to organizations such as the U.S. Navy, colleges and universities. He was also a sales representative for H.D. Segur insurance in the Bethel area for more than 14 years. He was an avid Miami Dolphins fan who loved springer spaniels and boating while spending time at his second home on Martha's Vineyard.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, David (Buddy) Blackburn Jr. of Woodbury, Jason Blackburn of Watertown and Heath Blackburn of Watertown; two daughters, Sharon Todhunter of Southbury and Laurel Blackburn of Bethel; a sister, Susan Ciminno of Florida; six grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

Services for Mr. Blackburn will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, at Saint Teresa's Church in Woodbury at 9:30 a.m. Calling hours will be held Friday, Dec. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere. Interment is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, 300 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT 06450.