Dean Blanchard

A graduate of Maumee High School, Dean spent three years serving with the Marines in Okinawa, Japan. He worked for several years as a project manager for nuclear power facilities across the country and world, living in California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Alaska, Illinois, England, Michigan, and Florida before returning home to Ohio. Dean loved musical theater and traveling to New York to see shows, especially those of Stephen Sondheim. He was active in community theater; a favorite role was the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz. He often preferred the company of dogs to people, but he fiercely loved his family, who will miss his dry sense of humor and generous spirit.

Dean is survived by his sister Debbie (Carl) Gibson; brother David Blanchard; nieces Holly Blanchard, Polly Petosky, Tanya (Andre) Stribling, Kristin (Jason) Kahl, Kari (David) Kolb, Katrina (Jolene) Gibson, and Amy Blanchard; nephews Craig (Molly) Woodling and Vince (Jen) Gibson; stepfather Palmer Hornsby; numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and beloved pup, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents and loving partner, Rick Rasko.

Dean will be laid to rest with his father Jacob at Toledo Memorial Park cemetery at a graveside service this summer. Memorial donations are welcome to SAVE Ohio Pets at saveohiopets.org.