Notes:

William P. Blanchard, 83, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed from this life on Thursday, December 8, 2016 in Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Born in Tupper Lake, NY, William was the son of the late Edward C. and Veronica (Bedore) Blanchard.

Mr. Blanchard was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. In 1951, he graduated from the former LaSalle High School. Following his graduation until 1953, William attended both Cortland State and Buffalo State College. He then enlisted and proudly served as a Sargent, in the United States Marine Corps, during the Korean War, from August 10, 1953, until his honorable discharge on August 9, 1956. Later that month, on August 25, 1956, Mr. Blanchard married the former Irene Gandt and was married for 42 years. She predeceased him on January 24, 1999. Following his service and marriage, Mr. Blanchard returned to his studies at Buffalo State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1960, all while working at International Paper. William then went on to receive his Masters of Science Degree, from Buffalo State College, in 1970, while also studying at Albany State College and the University at Buffalo.

From 1960, until his first retirement in 1978, he was employed as a teacher for various local schools, spending most of career at the former Pacific Avenue School. While teaching, Mr. Blanchard became the founder and served as the first president of the Niagara Falls Teachers Union #801, where he acted as coordinator of the first Niagara Falls teacher strike and in 1975, William lead their second strike. From 1975 until 1978, he served as the NYSUT District #3 Election Director. He then served as a Labor Relations Specialist for the NYSUT, until his second retirement in 1993.

Mr. Blanchard was a member of Tan Tara Golf Club, achieving 2 holes-in-one, both on the the 10th hole. William also bowled on the School Master Bowling League for 50 years. He was proud of his service in the Marine Corp and was a life-member of the Conrad F. Kania Detachment #230, Department of New York Marine Corps League, North Tonawanda, New York. In his spare time, Mr. Blanchard enjoyed following the New York Yankees and woodworking.

Mr. Blanchard is survived by one son, Michael (Cathy) Blanchard; two daughters, Patti-Anne (Barry) Mitchell and Wendy (Craig) Blanchard-Hastings; six grandchildren, Shannon and Stacey Hazlett, Stephanie (Floyd) Clinard, Phillip (Adrienne) Mitchell, Jennifer Mitchell and Jeffery (fiancé, Stephanie Falvo) Mitchell and six great-grandchildren, David Wilson, III, Ryan and Bradley Clinard, Raelyn Benson, Lilly Bennett and Violet Mitchell; William is also survived by three brothers, Thomas (Barbara) Blanchard, Terry ( Michaele) Blanchard and Robert (Terri) Blanchard; his longtime companion, Patricia Kilbury and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased in 1964 by an infant daughter, Susan Irene Blanchard.

The family will be present to receive friends on Monday, from 2-7 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, in the Town of Niagara, where a funeral service, concluding with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, December 13th at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Jonathan Haseley officiating. Private entombment will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honor William in the form of a contribution, are asked to consider, Niagara Falls Teachers #801, 800 Main Street, Suite 1A, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.

Condolences may also be sent to the family by visiting, www.goodlandercares.com

William married GANDT, Irene Clara on 25 Aug 1956 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY. Irene (daughter of GANDT, Milfred and GWOREK, Clara N) was born on 27 Mar 1935; died on 24 Jan 1999 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Niagara Gazette

White gladioli adorned St. John de LaSalle
Church for the wedding of Miss Irene Clara Gandt
and William P. Blanchard, which was solemnized
this morning (Aug. 25, 1956) at 10 o'clock in a
double-ring ceremony. Frank Consentino was
soloist and Mrs. John Dowdall was organist at the
nuptials for the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milferd
A. Gandt, 71st St., and the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Edward C. Blanchard, 67th St.
Escorted by her father, the bride carried white
roses and a white orchid in the form of a cross as
ber bouquet. Her gown of imported lace and pure
silk over taffeta was distinguished with a scalloped
neckline and a panel enhancing the lace bouffant
skirt.
Miss Dorothy Gandt was maid of honor for
her sister, and Miss Barbara Brent and Miss Patricia
Battaglia were bridesmaids. Claudia Gworek and
Judy Bedore were flower girls.
Thomas Blanchard was best man for his brother,
and ushers were Ronald DeLuca and Jerry Fahn.
For the reception this evening at the Lincoln
Hotel, the mother of the bride will receive in a
taupe iridescent organza dress, while the mother
of the bridegroom has chosen a cadet blue silk
organza dress with white accessories.
The bridal couple will be at home in 121 Sixth
St., after a wedding trip to New York City.
traveling, the bride will be clad in a white and
aqua print dress with matching duster.

1. BLANCHARD, Michael Peter
2. BLANCHARD, Susan Irene died in 1964.
3. BLANCHARD, Patti-Anne
4. BLANCHARD, Wendy

Edward + BEDORE, Veronica H. Veronica was born on 5 Jun 1916 in New York; died on 1 Jan 2007 in Livermore Falls, Androscoggin County, ME. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William + Fannie. Fannie was born about 1878 in Canada; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]