Walter Francis "Terry" Blaser III

AULANDER, NC - Walter Francis Blaser III ("Terry"), of Aulander, North Carolina, formerly of Wellesley and Westford, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on March 5, 1947, in Nashua, New Hampshire, Terry was the son of Elizabeth Wall Blaser and Walter Francis Blaser II. He attended Bridgton Academy in Bridgton, Maine, where he played hockey, before graduating from Wellesley High School in 1965. He later attended Burdett College.

Terry proudly served his country as a Private in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, having trained at the Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He remained connected to his military roots through his membership with the American Legion Post 0081 in Contoocook, New Hampshire, where he served as Post Commander.

Following his military service, Terry dedicated nearly 30 years to the Wellesley Fire Department, serving at Station #1 and later Station #2 and served for several years as President of Local 1795 until his retirement. He also volunteered with the Hopkinton, New Hampshire Rescue Squad.

Terry and his wife Nancy owned and operated Blaser's Fireside Tavern in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, which they ran together for more than 13 years.

Terry is survived by his wife, Nancy Hensel Blaser; his daughter, Kimberley Blaser Tanner (Greg); his grandchildren, Shea Tanner Wallace (Nathan), Shaun Blaser Tanner (Jessika), and Shane Cole Tanner (Bennett); and his great-granddaughter, Jane Anneliese Tanner.

Preceded in death by: his parents, Elizabeth Wall Blaser and Walter Francis Blaser II; and his sister, Margo Campbell Blaser.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Massachusetts. Details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.

Online condolences may be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, North Carolina.