Father Joseph O’Callahan, performs last rites for Robert Blanchard March, 19, 1945 on the fiery deck of the USS Franklin. Robert, overcome by smoke inhalation would live to 90 years old.
WWII Navy Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, Robert Charles Blanchard has gone home to be with the Lord on April 11, 2014. He was born December 1, 1923 in Yonkers, NY, and lived in Ocean County for 20 years. Robert is survived by the love of his life of 72 years, Violetta Elkins Blanchard; his children Violetta Kelly, Barbara and Larry Mason, Patricia Dangler, Robert and Gail Blanchard, Donna and Larry Gliddon, Tom and Karen Blanchard, Marion and Fred Humphries, Bill Blanchard, and Michaelle and John Gaul; seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren; and two brothers, William Blanchard and James Blanchard. Viewing at Maxwell Funeral Home, Manahawkin, NJ on Monday April 14, from 6 pm until 9 pm. Services will be Tuesday April 15 at St Mary’s in Barnegat NJ at 10am.
USS Franklin Museum Association 
I have just watched a video of Robert C Blanchard. I was looking at the USS Franklin and his testimony was the next video. What understated heroes all the men and woman in all the forces in all the countries fighting the evil in WW2. He epitomises the understated heroism of individuals, marking out the bravery and courage by extraordinary, ordinary men and woman. I am Uk born and my parents and there siblings all fought in both WW1 and WW2, what debt of gratitude to all who fight on behalf of freedom in any theatre of war or conflict and especially to those who lost the lives and relatives.
“ Let’s us never forget”
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