Leo J. Blanchard

ATHOL - Leo J. Blanchard, 91 of 574 Chestnut Hill Ave, Athol, died Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at home. He was born in Athol, on August 22, 1920, the son of the late Adolph and the late Catherine (Mallet) Blanchard. Leo grew up in Athol and attended Athol High School. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. He was involved in battles in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He received the Bronze Star Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on October 24, 1945. He worked at the L.S. Starrett Company for several years and went on to own and operate the South Gardner Hotel along with his wife Mary for 23 years. He went back to work for the L.S. Starrett Company and retired from there in 1985. Leo was a communicant of Our Lady Immaculate Church, a member of the Athol-Orange Lodge of Elks, the Athol Veterans of Foreign War, the Athol American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a self-taught artist and loved to paint, he was an excellent small engine repairman and also enjoyed fixing clocks. He made many bird houses and took enjoyment in feeding the birds. He leaves his wife of 70 years, Mary (Krol) Blanchard; a daughter, Karen J. Blanchard of Maryland; a son, Lee Blanchard and his wife Donna of Lyndonville, VT; three sisters, Glennes Blanchard of Virginia, Pearl Newell of Athol, Jane Hicks of Florida; a granddaughter, Charlene Moran and her husband Jason of Sante, CA; a grandson, Robert Blanchard and his companion Kate of Northfield Falls, VT; two great grandchildren, Heather Vollman and her husband Eric of Virginia, Timothy Sweeney of Sante, CA; three great great grandchildren, Jordan Bright; Micah Vollman; Jonah Vollman and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Catherine Calvi and Leada Blanchard. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 10:00 am in Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol. All guests attending are asked to go directly to the church. Burial with military honors will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 1, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 495 Old Connecticut Path, Suite 220, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 46, P.O. Box 746, Athol, MA 01331. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskemurphymack.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements.   $(document).ready(function(){ });