Leo Blanchette

Leo Blanchette, 86, of 312 Laurel St., died June 26, 2009 at Catholic Medical Center. In His Life: He was born in Manchester on January 13, 1923 and had been a lifelong resident of the City. Mr. Blanchette was a paratrooper in the 504 parachute regiment in the 82nd Air Borne Division. He served in both the Italian and European Campaigns during World War II. For his service, he received many awards and metals including several purple hearts. He especially prized the "Queen Whelameana Order" from operations in Holland. He had been a salesman for many years and was an avid Red Sox fan. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lucille (Nepveu) Blanchette who died in 1979 and by two grandchildren. Family members include his three sons, Leo Blanchette of Candia, Michael Blanchette of Concord and Mark Blanchette of Bedford; four daughters, Elaine Williams of VA, Laura Burpee of Merrimack, Claire Forrest of Boca Raton, FL and Dyana Blanchette of Manchester; 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; a brother, Arthur Lessard of Manchester; and nephews, nieces and cousins. Calling hours will take place on Monday from 4 to 8 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St. Services will be held on Tuesday morning at 10:00 in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Juan Saa, of Lifewhite Christian Church officiating. Committal services with military honors will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross, 1800 Elm St., Manchester, NH 03104. For more information or to sign an on-line guest book, go to www.phaneuf.net