WENHAM: William M. “Bill” Blanchard, 96, formerly of Beverly, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 11, 2016, blessed with fulfillment and longevity in life. He was the beloved husband of Barbara M. (Dow) Blanchard.
Born in Beverly on September 18, 1920, he was the son of the late Mabel (Garrell) and William M. Blanchard. Bill was a member of the Beverly High School Class of 1940. He was a devoted employee of Beverly Hospital for forty-three years, where he had the opportunity to befriend countless individuals. Bill enjoyed the ocean, the camp at Chebacco Lake, and family gatherings. He was a longtime member and former Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Beverly.
In addition to his loving wife of sixty-six years, he is survived by his three children, William M. Blanchard, III & his wife, Sarah (Allen), Robert A. Blanchard & his wife, Deborah (Burrows) and Nancy E. Blanchard; five grandchildren, Joshua Hairston and his wife, Michelle, Angela Hairston, Corrina Hairston and her fiancé, Mark Mendonca, Matthew Blanchard, Laura Blanchard Bitler and her husband, Dan; eleven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his good friend, Bob Broadfield. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Brenda and his siblings, Charles, Gladys, Frank, Irene, Robert, Addison, Andrew, Natalie, Lydia and Norman.
A Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot Street, Beverly on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 2:30 PM. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 221 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915 or the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451-8750.