Obituary of Donald E. Blanchett

Donald “Eddie” Blanchett, 83 passed away peacefully on January 19, 2022 in East Brunswick NJ.

Donald was born in New York City and spent his childhood in Happy Valley School in upstate New York with his many brothers and sisters. Serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he was discharged in 1961. Soon after he met and married Dora Leal on July 14, 1962 beginning a family of his own. He was one of the hardest working men before his retirement and was always there for his family.  He was an amazing dad and “Pop-Pop”, and had a special love for Dora and his family, both immediate and extended, a love that you don’t see too often these days.  He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

He worked for 45 years at Burlington Industries and was a communicant at Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood, serving in the Knights of Columbus, Marriage Encounter Movement and working with the parish Christmas Toy Drive for over 25 years. He enjoyed hiking (including Mt. Marcy in New York, Mt. Washington in New Hampshire and Mt. Katahdin in Maine) and learning about history, especially with a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee in hand!

Predeceased by Dora in July of 2021 and his daughter in law, Mary Lee Blanchett, Donald is survived by his son, the Reverend Edward H. Blanchett of Brick Township; daughters, Sandra Zema (Anthony) of Jamesburg; and Nancy Bourne (John) of Spotswood. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters as well as his grandchildren, Amanda and Michael Zema, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm and Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 8:30am -  9:30am at the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home, 205 Rhode Hall Road, Monroe Twp. Donald’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 22 at 10am at Immaculate Conception RC Church, 18 South Street, Spotswood. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Burial Park Mausoleum, South Brunswick. Donations in Donald’s name may be made to a dementia foundation of your choice.