Richard H. Dick Blanchard

1940 - 2018

Richard H. "Dick" Blanchard, age 77, of Erie, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at his residence. He was born in Burlington, Vermont, on September 2, 1940, a son of the late Harold and Antoinette (Peppin) Blanchard.

Dick began his career in the GE apprentice program, which brought him to Erie. He worked at Erie GE, where he held various positions for 21 years before founding Blanchard Manufacturing in 1982. He continued to oversee the company's operation until his passing.

Dick loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing and watching all his grandchildren's activities. Dick was an avid boater and a member of the Erie Yacht Club.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Pia M. (Santorio) Blanchard; his children, Marie Lytle (Tom), Julie Hayes (Darin), Rick Blanchard (Jackie) and Robert Blanchard (Kelly Maniscarco); his grandchildren, Robert, Steven, Lauren, Tommy, Pia, Derek, Richard, Ava, Nikolas, Anna and Charlotte; and a great-grandson, Deighton. He is also survived by a large extended family and his cherished red Cadillac.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday from 6 to 8 pm at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Avenue Branch, 845 East 38th Street. Services will be held there on Monday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Luke Church at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow in Mary, Queen of Peace Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2115 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16508. Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

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