Oliver S. Blackmer

Oliver Shaughnessy Blackmer, restauranteur, artisan, and gentle giant, died on April 9, 2025. A humane presence who touched many lives, Oliver cared deeply about his family, friends, and colleagues. His compassion, wit, and loyalty were hallmarks of his affection, which he often expressed with a radiant smile and a warm bear hug.

Oliver was naturally drawn to care for people, often through food. He worked in construction and farming before finding his calling as a chef and restaurant manager, eventually becoming owner of Pancho’s Pizza in Peterborough, NH. By creating a restaurant where all people were welcome and comfortable, he was able to use many of his innate skills to serve his community.

Endlessly curious, Oliver was self-taught in many areas and read voraciously, often researching topics in depth from history to science to business. As a creative problem solver, he was the kind of person who could move a tree from your yard singlehandedly or bake the perfect baguette. He brought a raw intelligence and focused attention to whatever task he took on. He was beloved for these and many other traits.

Born on July 25, 1985 in Beverly, MA, Oliver moved to mid-coast Maine at age four, and then to Peterborough at age nine. He graduated from High Mowing School in Wilton, NH, where his passion for cooking began as a student working in the kitchen, learning to make bread for everyone at the school.

Oliver is survived by his parents, Peggy Shaughnessy and Eric Blackmer, of Peterborough, his sisters Gwen Blackmer of Wilton, Lydia Blackmer (Matt Hodder) of Peterborough, and Rosaleigh Blackmer of Worcester, MA. He also leaves his nieces Bridget, Fiona, and Keira, and nephew Theo, along with a large extended family and an extensive network of friends, all of whom will miss his sense of humor, ingenuity, and heartfelt love.

For those who wish to remember Oliver, you might make a donation to a local food bank or break bread with those close to you.