Raymond Blanchette , beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather passed away from complications related to Alzheimer's on Thursday, September 5th.
Ray was born on September 26, 1936 in Marlborough MA to Albina and Raymond Blanchette
He is survived by his loving wife Jean, his daughter Linda, his three sons Eric, Michael and Richard, his sisters Lorraine and Kathye.
He was preceded in death by both his mother and father and his three brothers Ron, Richard and Al.
Ray was a proud US Army veteran serving his country during the Korean War from 1954-1957 and remained in the Army reserves until 1962.
His unit served in Stuttgart, Germany where his duties included being in a member of the Military Police and a mechanic in the Vehicle Maintenance Unit.
After receiving an honorable discharged from military service, Ray used the GI Bill to go to school, earn his degree and go into corporate life in Boston and New York City.
In 1976, he followed his dreams by moving to Minneola, FL with his family and opening a local family restaurant called The Village Inn.
He successfully ran this business until he and his wife retired.
While a business owner, Ray served his community by becoming a Minneola City Council member for a number of years and he was instrumental in the establishment of South Lake Moose Lodge 1615 where he served in many roles including being the Lodge Governor.
Ray was a passionate checker player, enjoyed bowling, loved the Florida Gators, enjoy listening to hymnal music by Alan Jackson. Despite moving away from Marlborough, Ray and his family returned most Thanksgivings to watch his beloved Marlborough High School Panthers beat their local rival the Hudson High Hawks in the annual game that has occurred on Thanksgiving Day since 1906.
The family would like to thank Ray's caregivers including his daughter Linda, his son in-law Bill and his wife Jean, all the doctors and nurses that treated him for his illness over the past decade and especially the wonderful people at the Hospice Compassion Care Center in Minneola. Each of you made his quality of life the best it could be during his time of need and we commend all of you.
Friends and family will miss him so much and he will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a difference by donating to the Minneola Hospice Compassion Care Center 214 E Washington St, Suite C, Minneola FL, 34715 , your local hospice organization or the Alzheimer's Association at
https://www.alz.org/
