Obituary of Vernal E. Blanchard

Vernal (Vern) E. Blanchard Jr. 71 of Amsterdam passed away on August 9, 2020. He is the son of the late Vernal E. and Margaret (Wetterau) Blanchard Sr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia B. (Thompson) Blanchard, whom he married on February 17, 1984; his sons, Jon L. (Andrea) Passero Jr. of Schenectady, and Vernal E. (Samantha) Blanchard III of Gloversville, his daughter Erin (Sean) Gallagher of Guilderland, as well as by his four brothers, one sister, his in laws Carson and Ellen Thompson of Amsterdam, and all his fur baby “grandchildren”.    

During his lifetime, Vern proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1967 to 1970. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors; frequently going camping, hunting and fishing. When he wasn’t enjoying the great outdoors, you could always find him tinkering around the house. Vern loved to help people, often helping neighbors by mowing their lawn or snow blowing their driveway.

He was a member of the Tribes Hill Fire Department, the Amsterdam Masonic Lodge, the Northeast Vietnam Veterans Reunion Association, American Legion Post 701, The Forty & Eight. Vern was also a lifetime member of the DAV, and a member of the Broadalbin VFW Post 8690. Vern was a friend of Bill W and the friends he made he cherished.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010 on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Due to COVID-19 all attendees are required to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. A service of committal, with military honors will take place at a later date, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff from the Albany VAMC who took wonderful care of Vern.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Vern’s memory can be made to the Mountains to Miracles Veterans Foundation Inc., 1052 Baker Road, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020.

Online condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com