Richard O. Blanchard II

Richard O. Blanchard II, aged 75, died unexpectedly at Concord Hospital on December 19, 2018. He was born in Concord on October 14, 1943 to Richard and Beverly (Brown) Blanchard. A graduate of Concord High School, Class of 1962, he entered the U.S. Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Essex. After leaving the Navy, he resided in the Philadelphia area where he graduated from Philadelphia College of Art and worked as a photographer. Returning to Concord, he worked both as a photographer and as a mental health worker at NH Hospital. After graduating from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1988, he worked for several local facilities including St. Joseph Hospital, Hospice House and Merrimack County Nursing Home.

In 1975 he received his novice amateur radio license, WN1VVX. Through the years he upgraded his license to Extra Class and most recently was licensed as W1VVX. He was active in many aspects of ham radio but he most enjoyed rag chewing and acting as net control operator for both the Granite State FM net and ECARS. He was also a Director for ECARS.

For many years he was an avid bicyclist. A member of the Granite State Wheelmen, he participated in rides along the seacoast raising funds for the American Lung Association. He enjoyed driving his Miata with the top down and had a passion for listening to both jazz and opera. Trips to performances at the Metropolitan Opera were special occasions. Ogunquit and Bar Harbor, Maine, were memorable places he shared on trips with his wife, Joan, during their 45 years of marriage.

Dick was preceded in death by his father and mother, step-parents and his brother Lloyd.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Donovan), sister-in-law, Barbara Schmitt (James) of Macedon, NY, niece and nephew, cousins, many lifelong friends as well as good neighbors in West Concord.

Calling hours will be held at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord on January 2, 2019 from 2 to 4 pm. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pope Memorial SPCA, 94 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301.