SMYRNA – Lee R. Blanchard, 87, of Smyrna, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 17, 2010, at his home, following a brief illness.
Born in Cincinnatus in February of 1923, the son of J. Bruce and Florence Cass Blanchard, Lee moved to Smyrna with his family when he was 9 and remained a resident there for the remainder of his life. He began school in Smyrna and was a graduate of the Sherburne Central School. In February of 1946, in Sherburne, Lee married Meredith Miner, who predeceased him on June 19, 2001. A farmer all of his life, he had lived on the Blanchard Farm since 1934. Lee was a lifetime member of the Smyrna Fire Dept., which he had served for a time as Chief, and a charter member of the Smyrna Emergency Squad. He was also a member of the Smyrna United Methodist Church.
Lee is survived by his children and their spouses: F. M. “Bucky” and Linda Blanchard of Sherburne, and Barbara and Michael Marso of Hamilton; by his sister, Caroline Thompson of Smyrna; and by his grandchildren: Lee Blanchard-Excell and husband Andrew of Smyrna, Erica Blanchard of Sherburne, Emily Snyder and husband David of Troy, Joseph Marso of Earlville, and James Marso of Hamilton. Also surviving are two great grandchildren, Jonah Excell and Lee Snyder. He was predeceased by his brothers, John and Stewart Blanchard.
Funeral services for Lee were held on Monday, June 21, at 1 p.m. from the Smyrna United Methodist Church. The Rev. George Gallandorm, pastor, officiated. Interment followed in Sherburne West Hill Cemetery. Friends paid their respects at the Smyrna United Methodist Church on Monday from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to either Claudia’s Closet, c/o Sherburne-Earlville School, 15 School St., Sherburne, NY 13460 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.