Joseph R.E. Blanchette, 79, of Berlin, passed away Monday morning September 8, 2014 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin. Mr. Blanchette was born in Berlin on January 8, 1935, a son of the late Alfred and Laura (Paradis) Blanchette and was a lifelong resident. Joe was a 20 year Veteran in the U.S. Air Force, serving during Korea and Vietnam. He worked for Crown Vantage as a Lab Technician. He was a member of St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish, Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4th Degree Knight, a life member of White Mountain VFW Post 2520, Ryan-Scammon Post 36 American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Sergeant’s Association.
Family members include his wife of 59 years Jeannette E. (Theriault) Blanchette of Berlin, a son Paul Blanchette and wife Michaela of Dunbarton, NH, daughters Anne Marie Courtney of Sellersburg, IN and Denise Valerino and husband Brian of Berlin, 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a sister Irene Thibault of West Chazey, NY; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 brothers Leo Blanchette and Louis Blanchette.
At Joseph’s request there are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday September 10, 2014 at 1 PM at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish in Berlin. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Kieran’s Cemetery in Berlin. Everyone is asked to go directly to church. Donations may be made in his memory to a charity of one’s choice.