Charles Harrison Blanchard, 84, died on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at his home in Tewksbury, Massachusetts after a long illness.
Born June 30, 1936 and raised in the Adirondack Mountains in New York, Charles never lost his appreciation and sense of wonder of the natural world. His happiest childhood memories were those of the years he, his siblings and parents, Archie and Margaret (nee Stacy), lived and worked alongside his grandfather, Burt Stacy, on his dairy farm. Charles enlisted in the Navy at 17, given permission by his mother, and served in both the Korean and Vietnam war, after which he worked as an electrical engineer for the New York State Health Department, retiring early to start his own heating and cooling business in the Capital Region. He was a member of the American Legion.
Charles was a talented woodworker and painter. He enjoyed fly fishing, golf, playing guitar, bird watching, and the wildlife that is plentiful in Upstate New York. He was proud to be Onondaga.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline (nee Ashley); his daughter April (Charles) Hamilton; son Charles Blanchard, Jr.; his grandchildren, Alise (Kent) Wascom, Clayton (Danielle) Hamilton, and Jordan (Denise) Hamilton; his great-granddaughters, Rosemary Wascom and Naomi Hamilton; and his brothers, Archie Blanchard and Robert Dora.
The family will hold a celebration of life service and ceremony over the summer when travel is safer. Date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers it was Charles wish that donations be made to Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, C/O April Hamilton, 1186 Main Street, Tewksbury MA 01876. For additional information, please visit, wwwlburkemagliozzi.com.