Daniel J. Blanchard

AUBURN-Daniel J. Blanchard, 83, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 7 at Rose Monahan Hospice House. Our family extends our deepest gratitude to the staff at the Rose Monahan House and the VNA of Worcester for the tremendous care they provided for Dan.

Beloved husband of 53 years, to the late Velma A. (Lind) Blanchard. He is survived by his daughter, Dawn M. Blanchard, of Auburn, two sons, Christopher R. Blanchard and his wife Maria, of Auburn, and Robert E. Blanchard and his wife Keri, of Attleboro; He leaves behind five grandchildren, Michael, Danielle, Sarah, Savannah and Avery; a sister, Mary C. McGrath of West Brook, ME and many nieces and nephews. His two brothers, Philip J. Blanchard and Edward J. Blanchard, predeceased him.

He was born in Worcester, son of Philip J. and Mary E. (Sullivan) Blanchard and graduated from Classical High School. He attended and holds degrees from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Assumption College and Worcester State College. He was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

D.J. to family, Farfar to his grandchildren, and Danny to his many friends, became a Certified Executive Chef in 1973. He and his brother, Philip, were co-owners of Blanchard Foods in Worcester, before retiring. He was a member of the American Culinary Federation Epicurean Club of Boston, American Academy of Chefs, and recently named Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Chefs.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, February 11 from 4 to 7pm at Callahan Fay Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 12 at 9:30am at St. Bernard's Church of Our Lady of Providence, 228 Lincoln St, Worcester. Burial will be private in St. Paul's Cemetery, Warren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St John's Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple St, Worcester, 01604.