Obituary of John Blanchard

JOHN “SONNY” J. BLANCHARD, 78 of Swanville, passed away April 5, 2011 in Belfast. He was born on November 23, 1932, the son of Joseph and Phyllis (Richardson) Blanchard. John enjoyed working with wood and making wooden toys and doll houses. He enjoyed fishing and collecting baseball cards and loved going on drives and eating out with his partner, Betty. He is predeceased by his parents; his wife Edna; sister Beverly Raymond; and brother Warren Whitman. He is survived by his partner of over 20 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Finley of Swanville; his daughter Linda; step-daughter Mary Ann; his siblings, Barbara Pashley and husband Robert, Joyce Hunsucker, Patricia Greene, Lillian McDonald, Judith Hindle, Cathy Krantz and Donna Carr and her significant other, John Fontaine; a couple of grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins and special friends and neighbors, Thomas and Beth Benner and their children, Johanna, Shannon, Robert, Carl and Zachary Benner. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in John’s memory to Betty Finley, PO Box 38, Belfast, ME 04915. A celebration of John's life will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, April 17th at the home of Betty and John, 956 Swan Lake Avenue, Belfast. Private graveside burial will be held in the spring at Smart Cemetery. Arrangements under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered at www.ripostafh.com.