John William Blanchard, Sr.

BLANCHARD, John William Sr., a resident of Rowley, also known as “Dusty” passed away on Monday September 18, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston.  John was born December 16, 1937, in Newburyport, MA to Francis and Mary (Arsenault) Blanchard.  John graduated from Newburyport High School in 1956.  He was a dedicated employee for R.A. Francoeur Inc. for over thirty years.  He enjoyed going on daily walks and adventures throughout the United States with his beloved wife Jean, boating, fishing, and trips to Key West, FL.  John was happiest spending time with his family. He was a proud member of Local Union 56 Pile Drivers, the North End Boat Club and the Rowley Boating Association.  

John will be deeply missed by his wife of fifty-three years B. Jean (Nadeau) Blanchard, his son John Blanchard Jr. and wife Marty, his daughter Karen Blanchard Grundstrom and husband John all of Rowley, MA.  John was the beloved “Papa” to his grandchildren Alyssa Grundstrom of Rowley, MA and Kelsi Grundstrom Rocha and husband Denys and new great-grandchild, Landon Andres Rocha of Key West FL.  John is survived by brothers, Francis Blanchard, Joseph Blanchard and wife Donna, all of Newburyport, MA, Donald Blanchard and wife Cheryl of Acworth, GA, and brother of the late Marie Blanchard Francoeur.  John will always be remembered and in the hearts of his many loving relatives and friends.  

Visitation will be 4-7 pm on Thursday, September 21 at Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High Street, Newburyport, MA.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 22 at 10:30 am at the Funeral Home.  Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department 30 East 33rd St. New York, NY 10016, www.kidney.org or Habitat for Humanity Key West, 6631 Maloney Ave, Key West, FL 33040, www.habitatlowerkeys.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John William Blanchard, Sr., please visit our floral store.