Gerald Peter Blanchette

Gerald Peter Blanchette, 83, of Greenfield, passed away peacefully on October 27th, 2024, at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough. He was born in Peterborough, NH on March 27, 1941, the son of Oliver and Marion (Dionne) Blanchette.

Born and raised in Peterborough as the youngest of 5 siblings, he attended local schools for a spell until work eventually took over. He worked with his father, Oliver, doing whatever needed to be done. He was a caretaker for some local estates, built a stone wall if needed, dug a hole, ran equipment, plowed driveways, and maintained roads and parking lots. Like his father and grandfather before him, he volunteered for their local Fire Department and proudly served the Peterborough Fire Department for 13 years.

The call of the road took him to Indiana, where he and his wife Sharon (Resler) started trucking across the country. We couldn’t tell you how many miles they drove, but they hit almost all the states over the years. At one point, Gerald hauled albums and cassettes across the country for Columbia House. He said he had to stop doing cross-country trips once the states started sharing speeding ticket information. After that, they moved back to Peterborough for a few years and eventually to Florida. He was always driving trucks somewhere but stayed local to where he was living at the time. He eventually went back to his home in Peterborough and Greenfield.

He always had a story to tell and a smile to go with it. He would recall stories of his younger days of mischief and shenanigans that all teenagers enjoy. I do remember growing up with some of the same surnames. I guess that’s what comes from living in a small New England town.

Gerry is survived by his children, Darragh and Joe Hoyt of Greenfield and Donna and Rich Clark of Peterborough; his grandchildren Stephanie (Chad) Saunders, Kerrah (Nate) Schaal, Abigail Clark, Alexander (Michelle) Clark, Heidi (Alex) Suzzi, and step-grandson Thomas McCall; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife of 45 years Sharon (Resler) Blanchette, his son and daughter-in-law Dale and Julie Blanchette; a grandson Daniel Fleuhr; his stepdaughter Lori Newton; step-grandson, Jeremy Blanchette; and lifelong furry companion Spuddy.

A private service will be held at St Peter's Cemetery on Vine St, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gerald’s name to KMS Foundation, PO Box 78, Greenfield, NH 03047.