SANBORNTON ---- Willard John Blaisdell, 80, of Maple Circle, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Willard was born on March 10, 1945, in Rochester, NH, the son of Willard T. Blaisdell and Ruth (Blood) Blaisdell.
After graduating from Spaulding High School in 1963, he proudly served his country in the US Army. He and his wife Carole “Chippy” made the Lakes Region their home in the1980’s and never left his lakeside community.
While enjoying his life on Lake Winnisquam, he came to be known as the Mayor of Maple Circle. He always took the time to talk with everyone, welcomed company at all hours, had a healthy supply of food and drinks for visitors, and made everyone feel right at home. The busy summer was his favorite time, as he loved to call out to friends and neighbors as they walked down to enjoy the lake. He knew everyone’s children’s names, as well as the names of their dogs-and most likely their boats as well. It was important to him. As a beloved and trusted neighbor, everyone knew that they could send their children to play on his swing set, and all were invited to join us for s’mores around the campfire. Packages of Hershey bars and bags of marshmallows were in full supply “in case the neighbors stop by…” Many in our lakeside community remember him zipping around on his scooter with a properly helmeted child aboard. No matter what he was up to, he would drop that project to provide a ride on his purple scooter.
Willie, or “Pop” as he was also called, was known for his kindness and generosity of spirit. Family was everything to him (aside from his even bigger passions of bacon, and hot dogs), and family to him meant anyone in his circle- friends, neighbors- and most recently, his Facebook pals. Although he resisted social media at first, it became another way for him to stay connected with friends across the country. Mornings saw him checking Facebook while enjoying his coffee and banana- he looked forward to seeing what people were up to, and “liking” new photos of his grandchildren. He would call us to say, “I saw your pictures on Facebook!”
Willie truly cherished his volunteer time with the Special Olympics and was involved for more than 10 years, cheering on his beloved best buddy Kaitlyn. And often by his side at the Winnipesaukee Warriors events was his companion Nancy, with whom he lived his best life over the last few years. Nancy and Willie were busy chipping away at their bucket list, going on weekend and day trips, visiting old friends, and just living a life that would make most people jealous.
Pop, as he was also affectionately known, was everybody’s adopted father or “Uncle Willie”. He filled the role that people needed in their life. He was a true caregiver and knew how to be there for others- even when they may not have known they needed it. His home was a place to land for our friends. Not all parents would welcome a dozen teenagers or two Boston rock bands into their home, but our father was the “cool dad.” Right there to man the grill at a minute’s notice or cook breakfast for sleepy teens. Earlier in our lives, he chaperoned our class trips, drove us to Worcester for concerts, and even joined us for a few shows- namely Van Halen, Journey, and The Police. Among his favorite songs, “My Sharona” and “Take a Chance on Me”- along with all his beloved songs from the 50’s.
Our father; a selfless friend, animal lover, ABBA fan, roller disco king, bacon lover, social butterfly, and the center of our universe- our rock and our anchor during the toughest times.
“One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value” – Jim Rohn
Willard is survived by his son John Blaisdell of Attleboro, MA, daughters Jennifer Blaisdell of Kittery, ME and Susan Blaisdell and her husband Joshua McKinnon of Farmington, NH, nine grandchildren, Hannah, Calvin, Lyla, Corinne, Ella, Samuel, Sarah, Laura, and Christopher, seven great-grandchildren, six nieces four nephews, companion Nancy (Nault) Foden and his best buddy Kaitlyn Hilbrunner. In addition to his parents, Willard is predeceased by his wife Carole ‘Chip’ (Perrier) Blaisdell, brothers Richard Blaisdell and Charlie Blaisdell and sister Eleanor (Blaisdell) Harding.
A Private Graveside Service will take place in the late spring at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH.
A Celebration of Life in the summer on the lake will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the New Hampshire Special Olympics team, The Winnipesaukee Warriors, c/o Melissa Drew, 4 Rolling Hill Drive, Tilton, NH 03276, or https://www.sonh.org/ways-to-give/[JB1.1]
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.