Richard Blackman, chairman of the board of Blackman Plumbing Supply Co. Inc., died on Sept. 19, 2012. He was 79.

Blackman joined Blackman Plumbing in the early 1950s, working initially at the company’s Flushing, N.Y., branch where he learned every facet of the business. In 1975, he succeeded his father, Sam Blackman, the company’s founder, as CEO. Over the next 37 years, Blackman was instrumental in the diversification of the company from basic plumbing and water works supplies to air conditioning, heating, and the retail showroom business, including bath and kitchen design services.

He also was a key driver in the company’s expansion, which now has 22 branches and showrooms located throughout the metropolitan New York area, as well as a newly constructed distribution center and corporate headquarters in Bayport, N.Y.