Richard E. “Cat” Blankenship, Jr., 47, passed away surrounded by his family on December 20, 2021.

Rich was born on November 29, 1974, in Howard County, Maryland. He was the son of Mary and the late Richard Blankenship Sr. Rich grew up in Laurel, Maryland, where he began his career as a firefighter. For twenty years he strived to be one of the best and bravest firefighters Howard County had to offer. He was a “fireman’s fireman.”

Rich was the owner of Laurel’s House of Horror. His creativity and imagination ran the haunted house in Laurel, Maryland, for seven years. His legacy lives on in the firehouse and the haunted house. Three of his boys are now career firefighters for Howard County, following in their father’s footsteps. As the years go by, Richard’s spirit is kept alive at Laurel’s House of Horror, the place where his dreams came true, in so many unique ways. Rich was often referred to as “Cat,” and was best known for that title at the fire house. He will not be soon forgotten, as we all keep his memory alive daily in our own special ways.

Rich was best known for his humor. He kept his firehouse family and those who knew and loved him on their toes. It wouldn’t take much for his charisma and charm to shine through, even in the toughest of times. He knew how to keep things light and will forever leave a mark on all our hearts.

Richard was survived by his wife, Charlene; his parents, Mary and the late Richard Blankenship Sr.; his sister, Nicole; his six children, Zachary, Tyler, Alex, Allyson, Andrew, and Nicholas; and his granddaughter, Cali Rose. Recently, we have celebrated the births of more grandchildren. Rich was also survived by his aunts, his uncle, cousins, and his fellow brothers and sisters at Howard County Fire and Rescue.