Arthur H. Blanchard

Mr. Arthur H. Blanchard, a resident of Melrose, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was 89 years of age. Arthur was born on June 23, 1922 in Worcester, one of nine children of the late Arthur H. Blanchard and Eglantine (Desrosiers) Blanchard. Raised and educated in Arlington, Arthur graduated from Arlington High School and attended LaSalle Military Academy in New York before serving his country in the US Army. He received a Purple Heart for his actions while serving during World War II. After an honorable discharge, he returned home graduating from Bates College where he lettered in football. From 1957 until retiring in 1982, Mr. Blanchard was a Melrose High School Science Teacher and a Coach for Melrose Football, Hockey, and Baseball. Arthur filled his spare time by working with his hands. He especially enjoyed furniture refinishing, and house painting. Beloved husband of Lauraine (Desjardins) Blanchard with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Devoted father of Anne Bartlett and her late husband Jack of Port Richey, FL, and Edward A. Blanchard of Melrose. Dear brother of Richard Blanchard of Winthrop, ME, and the late Edwin Blanchard, Doris Limerick, Norma MacDonald, Donald Blanchard, Janet Preston, Yvonne Schultes, and Linden Blanchard. Cherished grandfather of Kirk Welch of New Port Richey, FL, and Erica Parker of Port Richey, FL. Loving great-grandfather of Zachary, Zoey, Ian, Joshua, and Justin. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends will honor and remember Arthur's life by gathering for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, April 18 from 4-8 PM and again on Thursday morning at 8:00 AM before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM. Interment in Glenside Cemetery, Winthrop, ME.