Mr. Albert Joseph Blanchard, 92, of Fernandina Beach passed away Friday, March 5, 2021.
He was born Napoleonville, LA and was a son of the late Sidney and Laura Templet Blanchard.
As the close of World War II approached, he joined the U. S. Army and served honorably. During his military service Mr. Blanchard attended Texas A & M University. He transferred to Louisiana State University and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation he secured a job with Allis-Chambers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In 1954 he and his wife, Willyne Farr Blanchard moved from Milwaukee to Fernandina Beach. He began employment with Container Corporation of American as a Mechanical Engineer. His career, which spanned some 42 years oversaw many large projects at the mill. Many of the projects, such as the conveyor run which can be seen to today at West Rock, were built on time and often under budget.
He was a longtime and active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Mr. Blanchard served his faith in several capacities, including serving on boards and committees and was a staunch member of the Holy Name Society. He and his wife reared their family in the Church.
As a nod toward his engineering background, he will always be remembered as a man who could fix anything, build anything. A “Do It Yourselfer” extraordinaire. He never threw away anything that had quit working as long as it was repairable and the parts to fix it were available or were created. On an interpersonal level, he had an insatiable curiosity about how things worked, whether it was about things or about people. He also made one feel and know that the most important subject was the one you were discussing with him. He was very kind and would extend a helping hand to everyone.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Blanchard was predeceased by his brother, Willard Blanchard and a sister, Doris Meese.
He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Willyne F. Blanchard, his children, Debra B. Capley of Jacksonville, Claire Blanchard of Fernandina Beach, Paul Blanchard of Leesburg, Virginia and David Blanchard of Paducah, Kentucky; a sister, Libby Van Oss of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; six grandchildren, Talia Grenier of Phoenix, Arizona, Gena Arnold of Yulee, Kyla Hartman of Ellicott, Maryland, Ivanna Diaz of Jacksonville, Joseph Rozensky of Jacksonville and Nadia Blanchard of Fairfax, Virginia; nine great-grandchildren as well as an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in his beloved St Michael’s Catholic with Fr. Jose Kallukalam as celebrant. The family will receive friends at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors Monday, March 8 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. A Rosary service will be held beginning at 6:30 PM.
Mr. Blanchard will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery.