Bruce D. Blanchard

October 24, 1946 ~ October 16, 2024
Born in:
Winchester, Massachusetts
Resided in:
Wenham, Massachusetts
Bruce D. Blanchard, 77, of Wenham, passed away on October 16, 2024, surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Avigian) Blanchard, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.
Born in Winchester on October 24, 1946, Bruce was the son of the late Duane and Persis (Start) Blanchard. He served our country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he studied environmental science at Boston State. Bruce dedicated over 40 years to the Town of Wenham, beginning as a heavy equipment operator and retiring as the Water Superintendent. His commitment to the community was evident in various roles, including serving as a Lieutenant as a call fireman, member of the American Legion, serving on the Board of the Wenham Housing Authority, and was instrumental in the creation of the Veterans War Memorial in Wenham.
An outdoor enthusiast, Bruce loved spending time in nature, whether it was working in his yard, planting his annual vegetable garden, hiking, camping, or fishing, continuing most of these activities following his paralysis. He and Patricia founded a hiking club during their college years, fostering lifelong friendships. Bruce instilled valuable life skills in his sons and taught them to respect the environment and appreciate nature’s beauty—lessons that have been passed down to his grandchildren.
In addition to Patricia, Bruce is survived by two sons and their spouses, Shawn and Charmaine Blanchard of Rockport, and Adam and Amy Blanchard of Wenham. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Leslie and Tom Phillips of Kentucky, and seven grandchildren: Riley and Flynn Blanchard, Ashley DellaCroce and her husband Mark, and Adam, Amanda, Andrew, and Cameron Blanchard, all of whom lovingly called him “Gramps.” He also leaves behind his niece and nephews.
His Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St, Danvers. Burial will follow with military honors in Wenham Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce’s name to Veterans Committee of Wenham, c/o Dean Pedersen, Chair, 138 Main Street, Wenham MA 01984 or the Wenham Fire Company, c/o Chief Stephen Kavanagh, 140 Main Street, Wenham MA 01984.

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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Bruce D. Blanchard 's name.
Veterans Committee of Wenham, c/o Dean Pedersen, Chair,
138 Main Street
Wenham ,
MA
01984
Wenham Fire Company, c/o Chief Stephen Kavanagh,
140 Main St
Wenham,
MA
01984
We’re sorry for your loss.
I
Oh dear. We have lost a good, brave soul, a remarkable man. I will always remember how excited I was when Cousin Bruce came to visit us. I would sit at the kitchen table with Mom and Dad and listen in awe to his stories told with his Bostonian accent and his hearty laugh. To me, he was the most handsome man on earth and I had a big crush on him. He was courageous serving his country in Vietnam but perhaps even more courageous on the home front facing his spinal cord disease. He did not let his illness interfere with his daily activities nor his relationship with his beloved family. He faced life with great dignity and humility.
I, and the whole McKee family, will miss him so much, but his memory will be with us forever, my handsome, kind, loving cousin Bruce. With all my love, Heather and Shelley, Roddy, and Brian.
My sister’s comments conveys our sentiments very well. Bruce was a real role model for us as we grew up. We truly honored his military service and I can remember our mother reading letters that he sent home from Vietnam. We marveled at how he handled life upon his return. He accomplished so much for his family but we had no idea that he did so much for his community. He exuded a quiet kindness but his laughter grabbed us in the heart, contagiously making us laugh with him no matter what the topic! And yes, Heather is right….he really was always quite handsome!! His courage and accomplishments in the face of adversity served to make us all better people. And his generosity seemed endless (we still have the chicken nesting boxes that he made for us many years ago!). While we didn’t get a chance to see the Blanchards much over the past many years, his example has stayed with us all. Pat, Shawn, Adam, Leslie, your families, all your children and grandchildren….you will specially be in our hearts this week and what at great life to celebrate. He will continue to serve as that example of integrity (and how life should be lived), a role model for our children, and always be our very special cousin.
Love, The McKees again
Cookie Reid