John F. Blanchette

Wynantskill - John F. Blanchette, 82, died surrounded by family and friends, on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at Albany Medical Center Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born on January 1,1933 to Ovilia "Jeff" Blanchette and Grace Kolbus Blanchette. John's father died when John was four years old, later John's mother married Raymond Boulais, who John cherished as a step-father. John was raised in Danielson, CT;  he graduated from St. James School and was a 1950 graduate of Killingly High School both in Danielson. 

Drafted to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War, John was stationed in Heidelberg Germany.  He moved to Troy in 1958, to accept a position as Chef Steward at the Emma Willard School.  While working at Emma Willard he continued his education at Siena College. 

John was the husband of Helen M. Roullier Blanchette for 41 years, they have lived in Wynantskill since 1977. John was the proud and loving father of Kris Ann Blanchette Elario and his son-in-law, Joseph P. Elario . John is also survived by his brother, Peter D. (Charlene) Boulais, of Pebble Beach, CA, and his cousin, Michael (Marlene) Coyne of Augusta, ME. John was an uncle to five nieces and a nephew; Kathy Sweetland, Kelly Jengo, Amy Pellerin and Jennifer McCrary all of CT; Nicole Boulais of Pittsford, NY and Paul G. Roullier, of North Greenbush. In addition he is survived by several other cousins, great nieces and nephews and numerous friends that he considered family. Upon his arrival in Troy, it was at the Red Front, that he met “Charlie" and what was the beginning a 57 year cherished friendship with Charles and Barbara Mamone and their family.”

Known for his great recipes, John had a talent for and enjoyed cooking which lead to his early career choices. He learned to cook at the Narragansett by the Sea, Kennebunkport Maine, under the direction of his uncle Michael Coyne. He spent many summers working at the Narragansett, before being drafted. Thankfully his talents in the kitchen earned him an assignment in Germany.  After his discharge he worked at the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY and during winters he worked at various establishments in Florida until he accepted the position at Emma Willard. After the untimely death of his uncle in 1960, John was appointed head chef at the Narragansett by the Sea. His time in Kennebunkport and the friends he made there remain to this day, as some of the best memories of his life.  

John had a mind for business, which inspired him to take courses at Siena College. He became licensed in New York and changed careers in 1968, initially working at Waddell and Reed, Latham, NY, as a financial advisor.  Then in 1974 he established the John F. Blanchette Independent Insurance Agency on Hutton Street in Troy. Due to health concerns in 1984, John, retired from the business and sold his agency. However, nothing could keep him down. John became a representative for North American Phillips Service Lighting retiring in 1995.  In 2003, Kris Ann opened Fleurtacious Designs, immediately John became the best delivery guy in the floral business.  

Everyone who knows John also knows his great passion for baseball, especially his loyalty to his team, The Detroit Tigers. How we will miss his stories about meeting Hal Newhauser and Dizzy Trout when he was 12 years old, the event that made him a Detroit fan. Also his memories of attending all seven games of the 1968 World Series. Certainly, the Tigers have lost a #1 fan. We are sure he will be cheering them on from heaven. 
 
John will be remembered by many, for various reasons, as a wonderful person, with a passion for life. He was fun loving, compassionate and honest.  He was a smart, witty, silly, happy guy, who didn't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Despite disabilities, he lived life to the fullest without complaint. He lived in the present. He loved his family and friends and showed this right up to the end. A room would light up when John entered, his smile could warm your heart and put you at ease. He will be greatly missed. 

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Monday, from 4-8 PM. 

Funeral service will be held Tuesday at 9 AM at the  funeral home and at 9:30 AM at St. Jude the Apostle Church Wynantskill where a  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Anthony Ligato, Pastor.

Interment will be in  St. Mary's Cemetery Troy.

Contributions may be made in memory of John F. Blanchette to the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society 3 Oakland Avenue Menands, NY 12204. 

 Service Information