Raymond Lionel Blanchette, 71, died May 21, 2014 at his home in Gloucester, Va.

Raymond was a native of Caribou, Maine, and served his country in the U.S. Navy (1962-1966). He worked as a mechanic at Grand Rental Station after moving to Virginia. Prior to that, he worked as a sheet metal mechanic at Loring AFB for 27 years until base closure in 1994.

Raymond enjoyed woodworking and working with his hands. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to everyone.

He is survived by his mother, Doris Blanchette of Caribou, Maine; wife, Alice J. Blanchette of Gloucester;  children, Michael Blanchette (Shelly) of Carmel, Maine; Garrett Blanchette (Joanne) of Yorktown, Va.; Joseph Blanchette of Norfolk, Va., and Renee (Blanchette) Daigle of Cabot, Ark.; grandchildren, Austin, Raychel, Connor and Jenna; sisters, Linda Quellette (Bert) of Old Town, Maine; Dianne Ligon (Don) of Yorktown, Va.; Mary Ann Adams (Stan) of Hendersonville, Tenn.; brother, Donald Blanchette (Cindy) of Woodland, Maine, and sister-in-law, Mary Sprague of Phoenix, Ariz. He was predeceased by his father, Lionel Blanchette. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28 at Lake Gaston, Va.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Maine Veterans Home, 163 Van Buren Rd., Caribou, Maine, on June 3 at 10 a.m.

In Raymond’s memory, contributions may be given to American Cancer Society, Relay for Life of Gloucester, c/o Mrs. G. Edward Mowry, 7274 Joseph Lewis Rd., Hayes, Va. 23072, or contributions may be given to American Cancer Society, Relay for Life of Caribou, Maine, c/o Cindy Blanchette, 93 Beckstrom Rd., Woodland, Maine 04736.