******* Harvey J. Blanchette, World War II Veteran and Former District Director of Veterans Services for Mattapoisett and Rochester.***************
Harvey J. Blanchette, 86, of Mattapoisett, died Monday, April 18, 2005, at St. Luke's Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of the late Dora I. (Dubois) Blanchette; they had been married for 59 years.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Elie and Marie (Motard) Blanchette, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life before moving to Mattapoisett in 1958. He was a communicant of St. Anthony Church in Mattapoisett.
Mr. Blanchette was formerly employed with John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company for 32 years, retiring as staff manager in 1979.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, seeing action on Midway, Saipan and Tinian. He was a recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific medal, the American Area medal, the World War II Victory medal, the Meritorious Service medal, Navy Commendation, Army Commendation and numerous other service citations. At the end of the war, he continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves as a member of the 441st Civil Affairs Company at Fort Rodman in New Bedford and retired from the 3rd Judge Advocate General Company 94th ARCOM Boston as Chief Warrant Officer 4.
A longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he was past commander of Whaling City Post 3196, a member of Benjamin Cushing Post 2425 in Marion, and Adjutant of Florence Eastman American Legion Post 280 in Mattapoisett.
Mr. Blanchette was a civic leader always helping those in need. He was past Chairman of the Mattapoisett Affordable Housing Committee, past Treasurer and Board of Director member of Coastline Elderly Services, Inc., former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of New Bedford Vocational High School, Vice Chairman of SCORE-New Bedford Chapter 229, and Chairman of the Mattapoisett Board of Appeals and Board of Assessors.
Mr. Blanchette was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and his family life was one filled with love of family and friends. He enjoyed boating and fishing with his grandchildren, and was an avid sports enthusiast, making many trips to Foxboro and Fenway Park.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Janet D. Smith, and her husband, Ernest W. Smith, Jr., of Osterville, and Jayne M. Brisson of Dartmouth; 5 grandchildren, Diane L. Franklin of New Bedford, Chief Petty Officer Ernest W. Smith, III, and Jonathan D. Smith, both of East Sandwich, Christopher R. Brisson of Los Angeles, CA, and Michael J. Brisson of Kansas City, MO; 8 great-grandchildren, Everett, Evan, Molly and Makenna Franklin, Brandon and Bryce Smith, and Jonathan and Anthony Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Fred Blanchette and Roland Blanchette.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, Friday, April 22nd at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 10 AM.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Thursday, April 21st from 4-8 PM.
Interment Mass. National Cemetery, Bourne.
Memorial donations may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, 1821 University Avenue West, Suite S256, St. Paul, MN 55104.