Robert “Bob” Blanchette

LEWISTON – Robert “Bob” Blanchette, 78, of Lewiston, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

He was born in Lewiston, on Dec. 2, 1945, and was the son of the late Lionel and Lumina (Rousseau) Blanchette.

Bob graduated from Edward Little High School in 1964. Following graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969. After his time in the Navy, he married the love of his life Anita. They married on April 11, 1970, and have been married for 54 years.

Bob attended the University of Maine Farmington, graduating in 1974. He began working at Social Security Administration after graduation. He worked there for 31 years. Bob continued to serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1977 to 1991, serving in Fort Devens during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 before his retirement. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered in the kitchen during Bingo. After his retirement he continued to be active working at LL Bean.

Bob had a love of life, family and friends. He loved to collect baseball cards and other memorabilia. He loved Patriots football. In his earlier years he loved to stay fit walking and jogging.

Bob was most proud of his family. Anita was his everything and together they raised two beautiful children. They loved to travel, play cards, and laugh together. He enjoyed spending time with his two granddaughters, family, friends and granddogs.

Bob is survived by his wife Anita (Brodeur) Blanchette; his son Peter Blanchette and his wife Colleen Campbell of Potomac, Maryland; his daughter Julie Maloney and her husband Michael Maloney of Londonderry, New Hampshire; his two granddaughters, Addison and Taya Maloney also of Londonderry, New Hampshire; his sister Therese Clancy and her husband Terry Clancy of New Gloucester; 11 nieces and nephews; and eight brothers and sister-in-laws.

He was predeceased by his brother Alec Blanchette.

A Funeral Mass honoring Bob’s life will be celebrated on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 11 a.m., at Holy Family Church. Committal services along with Military Honors will then follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4-6 p.m., at the Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home, 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway in Lewiston. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com .

Those wishing may make donations in Bob’s memory to Andwell Health Partners 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240.

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