Ernest P. Blanchard Jr., age 80, passed away on July 16, 2025 in St. Petersburg, FL. He was born on October 23, 1944 in Holyoke, MA to the late Ernest P. Blanchard Sr. and Cecile (Duval) Blanchard. He grew up and was educated in Chicopee, MA and was a long time resident of the surrounding area before moving to St. Petersburg, FL. He was predeceased by his wife, Letitia (Trish) F. Blanchard. He is survived by his 5 children, Linda Fountain and her husband Dennis of Three Rivers, MA, Paul Blanchard of Charlton, MA, Sandra Deyo and her husband Anthony of Palmer, MA, Michael Blanchard of Spencer, MA and Debra Rossmeisl and her husband Jason of West Springfield, MA, as well as his two step-sons Albert (Rusty) Charles Bassett III and William Bassett. He also leaves behind a brother, Alan Blanchard and two sisters, Joan Brown and her husband Michael and Marie St. George, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Massachusetts.