William P. Blanchard

William P. Blanchard, 83, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed from this life on Thursday, December 8, 2016 in Roswell Park Cancer Institute.  Born in Tupper Lake, NY, William was the son of the late Edward C. and Veronica (Bedore) Blanchard. 

Mr. Blanchard was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY.  In 1951, he graduated from the former LaSalle High School.  Following his graduation until 1953, William attended both Cortland State and Buffalo State College.  He then enlisted and proudly served as a Sargent, in the United States Marine Corps, during the Korean War, from August 10, 1953, until his honorable discharge on August 9, 1956. Later that month, on August 25, 1956, Mr. Blanchard married  the former Irene Gandt and was married for 42 years. She predeceased him on January 24, 1999. Following his service and marriage, Mr. Blanchard returned to his studies at Buffalo State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1960, all while working at International Paper.  William then went on to receive his Masters of Science Degree, from Buffalo State College, in 1970, while also studying at Albany State College and the University at Buffalo. 

From 1960, until his first retirement in 1978, he was employed as a teacher for various local schools, spending most of career at the former Pacific Avenue School.  While teaching, Mr. Blanchard became the founder and served as the first president of the Niagara Falls Teachers Union #801, where he acted as coordinator of the first Niagara Falls teacher strike and in 1975, William lead their second strike.  From 1975 until 1978, he served as the NYSUT District #3 Election Director.  He then served as a Labor Relations Specialist for the NYSUT, until his second retirement in 1993.

Mr. Blanchard was a member of Tan Tara Golf Club, achieving 2 holes-in-one, both on the the 10th hole.  William also bowled on the School Master Bowling League for 50 years.  He was proud of his service in the Marine Corp and was a life-member of the Conrad F. Kania Detachment #230, Department of New York Marine Corps League, North Tonawanda, New York. In his spare time, Mr. Blanchard enjoyed following the New York Yankees and woodworking.

Mr. Blanchard is survived by one son, Michael (Cathy) Blanchard; two daughters, Patti-Anne (Barry) Mitchell and Wendy (Craig) Blanchard-Hastings; six grandchildren, Shannon and Stacey Hazlett, Stephanie (Floyd) Clinard, Phillip (Adrienne) Mitchell, Jennifer Mitchell and Jeffery (fiancé, Stephanie Falvo) Mitchell and six great-grandchildren, David Wilson, III, Ryan and Bradley Clinard, Raelyn Benson, Lilly Bennett and Violet Mitchell;  William is also survived by three brothers, Thomas (Barbara) Blanchard, Terry ( Michaele) Blanchard and Robert (Terri) Blanchard; his longtime companion, Patricia Kilbury and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased in 1964 by an infant daughter, Susan Irene Blanchard.

The family will be present to receive friends on Monday, from 2-7 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, in the Town of Niagara, where a funeral service, concluding with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, December 13th at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Jonathan Haseley officiating. Private entombment will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honor William in the form of a contribution, are asked to consider, Niagara Falls Teachers #801, 800 Main Street, Suite 1A, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. 

Condolences may also be sent to the family by visiting, www.goodlandercares.com