Robert B. Blanchard

ATHOL - Robert B. Blanchard, Sr., 87, of Athol, died Monday, November 17, 2008 in the Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol. He was born in Athol on January 27, 1921, the son of Arnold and Agnes (Brindley) Blanchard, Sr. Mr. Blanchard grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School with the class of 1939. He served during World War II in the United States Navy as a Gunner's Mate Second Class from June 29, 1942 to January 6, 1946, receiving the World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific (One Star). He owned and operated Blanchard's Jenney and Blanchard's Gulf gas station and was a capable mechanic. Mr. Blanchard later worked for the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier from 1967 until his retirement in 1984. He was a communicant of Our Lady Immaculate Church, and was often a collector for donations. He was a member of VFW, and Ellinwood Country Club. He was Past Commander of American Legion Post #102. He was recognized for his volunteer work, such as placing veteran's flags in cemeteries, and was an inspector of soldiers' graves. He enjoyed his family, golf, bowling, and was an avid reader. He leaves one son, Robert B. Blanchard, Jr. and his wife Peggy of Ashburnham, and their children, Robert L. Blanchard and Kelsey Blanchard; three daughters, Jean M. Kucinskas and her husband John of Uxbridge, MA, and their children Jessica Kucinskas and Jenna Kucinskas, Jane A. Vaitkunas and her husband John of Bow, NH and their children Katrina Emmel and Samantha Kalita, Judy L. Tobin of Ruskin, FL; one brother, Arnold K. Blanchard of Southington, CT. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Leola M. (Guignard) Blanchard, who died on February 20, 2003; by his brother, Fred H. Blanchard; and by his sister, Jean Blanchard. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 21, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery in Athol. Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main St., Athol. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.murphysfuneralhome.com. J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home 137 Main St., Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });