Published July 26, 2019
MELROSE — Donald R. Blanchard, 93, a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on July 20, 2019 at Oosterman’s Rest Home.
Donald was born on July 9, 1926 in Cambridge, one of two children of the late Raymond H. And Evelyn T. Blanchard. He was raised in Melrose and graduated from Mount Hermon Preparatory School with the class of 1944. Upon graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII.
Following his discharge from the Navy, he received a college education at Bentley College. He then began a dedicated 41 year career in accounting and data processing at HK Porter in Somerville followed by a 26 year career at Congress Group in Cambridge.
Donald or “Don” as he was affectionally known, was an avid sports fan and active participant in many of the Melrose High School booster organizations, including Friends of Melrose Football and Friends of Melrose Hockey. He was a former baseball coach in the Incarnation Little League and Melrose National Little League. He was also a member of the Wyoming Lodge of Masons.
Don will be deeply missed by his wife, children and grandchildren, but will always be remembered for his sense of humor and devotion to his family.
He will be forever remembered for the love he shared with his wife Janice Wright Blanchard, with whom he shared 72 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Beverly T. Harrison and her husband Michael of Melrose, Donna R. Bryson and her husband Robert of Peabody, and Raymond H. Blanchard and his wife Christine of Melrose. He was dear brother of the late Beverly Steer and her husband Robert.
Donald also is survived by his eight beloved grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Donald’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, July 23 and for his funeral service celebrated at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St., Melrose, on Wednesday. Interment with military honors presented by the US Navy was at Wyoming Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Don’s memory to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Ste 6, Waltham, MA 02451.
For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.