John V. Blanchard

STERLING – John V. Blanchard, 82, of Justice Hill Road, died Sunday, July 20, 2008 in Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 61 years, Lorania E. (Graves) Blanchard; three sons, Louis W. Blanchard of Westminster, Vermont, John A. Blanchard of Sterling and David F. Blanchard of Worcester; two grandchildren, U.S. Marine Corps PFC Brian L. Blanchard stationed in Iraq, and Keith D. Blanchard of Tucson, Arizona; and a great-granddaughter, Katelyn LeClair. A son, James S. Blanchard, predeceased him. He was born on August 16, 1925 in Milford, son of Louis C. and Jennie E. (Claflin) Blanchard, and lived in Sterling most of his life. He was a graduate of Leominster High School.

Mr. Blanchard was a U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II serving with the 4126th Army Air Force Base Unit. He attended Butler University in Indianapolis while in the service. For 50 years he ran the family apple orchard and was President & Director of Justice Hill, Inc. He was the Director of Horticultural Research Center University of Mass. at Belchertown, a member of the Mass. Fruit Growers Association and an avid fisherman. He was a member of the Sterling Board of Appeals, Finance Committee and Board of Assessors. He was a 50-year member of the Wilder Lodge of Masons in Leominster and a member of the Royal Arch Chapter.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23rd, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. The funeral service for Mr. Blanchard will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 24th, in the funeral home followed by burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Princeton. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Town of Sterling Fire Department, Ambulance Fund, P. O. Box 515, Sterling, MA 01564; or to the Children's Hospital Trust, One Autumn Street #731, Boston, MA 02215-5301.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com