Obituary of David A. Blanchard

David A. Blanchard, 69 PEABODY – David A. Blanchard, 69, died peacefully on Monday evening April 18, 2016 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, following an extended illness, while in the comforting presence of family. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Addison and Eileen (Mackey) Blanchard. He grew up in Peabody, and graduated from Peabody High School, Class of 1965, where he excelled on the track team. He enlisted into the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, and was stationed in Hawaii and Pacific Rim area. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he lived in Florida where he started a family of his own. He worked for the City of North Miami Beach and with several construction crews as he was a skilled carpenter. He moved to Peabody where he lived the last 15 years. He most recently employed with the City of Peabody Public Schools he was a Custodian at the Peabody High School. He also worked for a time at Paradise Gym. David loved a variety of music, such as The Beach Boys, Chicago, and Garth Brooks. He became passionate about fitness, nutrition and weightlifting, and would often train at Paradise Gym, which became his home away from home. He enjoyed helping others in their personal training regimen and also enjoyed riding his bike around the North Shore area. The family wishes to acknowledge and gratefully offer their heartfelt thanks to the staff and members of Paradise Gym in Swampscott for their ongoing care, concern and support during David's illness. He is survived by three sons, Shawn Blanchard, Joseph Blanchard, and David Blanchard, all of Orlando, FL; a granddaughter Yeseniah Blanchard of FL; a sister Mary Ann Bates & her husband Gary of Peabody; a brother Edward Blanchard of Peabody & Florida; a niece Allison McCarthy and nephew Gary Bates, Jr. both of Peabody, and several great-nieces & great-nephews. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for his Funeral Service on Friday April 22, 2016 at 11 AM in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 – 8 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to benefit the Athletic Department of Peabody School Department, Peabody.