Edward F. Blanchard Sr.

WHITMAN Edward F. Eddie Blanchard Sr., 80, beloved husband for 61 years to Beverly E. (Heddericg) Blanchard, died Tuesday, Nov. 18, following a period of failing health. Born in Whitman, son of the late Walter and Edna (Smith) Blanchard, he was a lifelong resident of the town. He was a graduate of Whitman High School, Class of 1946, and a graduate of the New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science of Embalming, Class of 1971. He was a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army, serving overseas during the Korean War and earning a Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars for his service. Before entering the funeral business, he was a mechanic for many years at the former Randalls Gas Station in Whitman. He was a former member of the Whitman Kiwanis Club and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a former Whitman DPW Commissioner. He was also a member of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors from 1973 to 2006. In 1973, he and his wife Beverly founded the Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Whitman and continued to operate the family owned funeral home with compassion and dignity until their retirement in 2006. He was kind and well-respected by all who knew him. He will be truly missed. Eddie enjoyed fishing and working around his yard and home. In addition to his wife of 61 years, he is survived by his son, Edward F. Blanchard Jr. and his wife Deborah of Groton; his daughter, Jolene A. Tonello and her husband Robert of Whitman; and his brother, Walter W. Blanchard Jr. of Plymouth. He was the proud grandfather of Jennifer Thielbar, Sarah Blanchard and Brian and Brittany Tonello. He is also survived a niece and nephew. He was the brother of the late Paul M. Blanchard. His services will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 at the rotary), Whitman. Private burial will be held following cremation. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours to be held Friday, Nov. 21, from 3-7 p.m. Donations in his name may be made to the Whitman Food Pantry, c/o Holy Ghost Church, 518 Washington St., Whitman, MA 02382, or to the Queen Anne Nursing Home, 50 Recreation Park Dr., Hingham, MA 02043. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com.