White River Junction, VT- Brian D. Blanchette, 70, died Monday, February 13, 2023, at his daughter's home in Quechee, VT surrounded by his family.

He was born April 14, 1952, in Methuen, MA, a son of Phillip and Maureen (Sullivan) Blanchette. Brian grew up in Lawrence, MA where he graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1970. After high school, he attended Lowell Technical College pursuing his dream of becoming a meteorologist. Changing career paths after two years, he attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, where he earned his Bachelors of Pharmaceuticals in 1976. Brian worked his way through college at Friendly's and after earning his degree as a pharmacist, worked at Bon Secours hospital in Methuen. In 1981, he moved to the Upper Valley to work at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital and later numerous pharmacies throughout the Upper Valley and Southern New Hampshire until retiring in 2006.

Brian was married to Lorraine LaPlaca October 21, 1991, in Lawrence, MA. They made their home in Lebanon, NH, where they raised their five children. The two later divorced but remained close.

Brian was a lifelong learner, taking art classes at AVA Gallery in Lebanon and the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at Dartmouth. He also volunteered at both institutions and was a study leader at Osher.

He enjoyed reading, had a great affection for literature and was a published author. He was a devoted Red Sox fan, a former  season ticket holder of his beloved Celtics and an avid bird watcher. He would commonly stop while driving or walking around town to watch the birds, often commenting to those around him about the "hawk" he saw. Whether he was dancing, listening or communicating through song lyrics, music was his love language.

Family meant everything to Brian; he loved his siblings and lived for his children, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren. He made a mean English muffin pizza adored by his children.

Brian is survived by three daughters, Victoria Blanchette and her partner Ian Roberts of White River Junction, Amber Blanchette and her fiancé Chris Currier of Quechee, VT, and Megan and her husband Alex Farris of White River Junction; two sons Brandon Sharkey and his fiancée Darcy Terino of Hartland and Ryan LaPlaca and his wife Nikki of Quechee; eight grandchildren; his former wife Lorraine LaPlaca of White River Junction; six brothers, Kevin Blanchette of Byfield, MA, Peter Blanchette of Lawrence, MA, Paul Blanchette of Beverly, MA, Phillip Blanchette of New Market, NH, Dan Blanchette of Methuen, MA, and Patrick Blanchette of Methuen; a sister Mary Kate Karagiorgos of Methuen; and his companion Patricia Gately.

Brian's family wanted to extend a special note of appreciation to the staff at VNH Hospice especially nurses Heather and Kiley.

Visiting Hours will be held from 9-10:15am Monday, February 27, 2023, at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction. Followed by Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Anthony's Church in White River Junction at 11am. Interment will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in White River Junction.

Memorial contributions may be made to Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at Dartmouth, 1 Court St, Suite 380, Lebanon, NH 03766 or to the Lebanon Public Library, 9 E Park St, Lebanon, NH 03766