Obituary of Gerald Blanche

Gerald “Jerry” C. Blanche, Jr., 81, of Mt Bethel, PA, formerly of Washingtoon NJ, died Wednesday, December 10, 2008 in the Easton Hospital, Wilson Boro, PA. Jerry was born, June 13, 1927 in Jersey City, NJ, a son of the late Gerald C., Sr. and the late Anna (Pucci) Blanche. Jerry was a member of the Washington High School graduating class of 1945.He proudly served during World War II in the Army Air Corps. He co-owed, with his brother Rob, Jerry’s Meat Market in Washington. Jerry devoted his life to his family and the meat market. He was an active member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Alpha, NJ. Survivors:Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley (Foulk) Blanche; five daughters, Kathy and her husband Craig Jones of Bangor, PA, Jean and her husband Dan Bracey of Washington, NJ, Ann and her husband Dan Fisher of Belvidere, NJ, Alice and her husband Dr. Mel Hebel of Mt. Arlington, NJ, Barbara and her husband Dana Opdycke of Washington, NJ and one son, Jerry (Bitsy) and his wife Marge Blanche of Stroudsburg, PA; one sister, Grace Fioretta of Granada Hills, CA and one brother, Robert Blanche of Washington, NJ; grandchildren Jennifer, Andrea, Julie, Matthew, Jordan, Scott, David, Lauren, Krista, Daniel, Jacob, Beth Ann, Jessica, Amanda and Danny. His first great grandchild is on the way. In addition to his parents, a son, Matthew Blanche, a brother, Frank Blanche, and a grandson, Brendan P. Opdycke all died earlier. Services: Friends may call Friday from 2 - 4 pm and 7 - 9 pm at DeVoe Funeral Service Inc., 136 West Washington Ave, Washington, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 9:30 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 830 Fifth Ave, Alpha, NJ. Interment will follow the mass in St Mary Cemetery, Alpha. Memorials: Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be sent to Brendan P. Opdyke Scholarship Fund, c/o SSPJ, 137 Roseberry St., Phillipsburg NJ 08865. Tributes: My heart breaks for you and your family right now. My thoughts and my prayers are with all of you. If you need anything, please let us know. Jamie Attorney Troxell's Office Dear Shirley, My thoughts are with all of you. I wish you peace and hope all of your beautiful memories will help you now. My heart goes out to all of you. Donna (Williams) Morrow Mrs. Blanche, Alice & Families: My sincere sympathy to you all. My Dad just passed away this morning, so I know exactly how you are feeling. We know they are no longer suffering and are enjoying the ""Old Brass Castle Gang"" that went on before them. You are in my thoughts & prayers! Chris ""Rhinehart"" Landsky Tribute from: Robin Giorlando My prayers and thoughts are with the whole family. Jerry was very kind to me as a little girl and would always give me a slice of cheese when we would come in the store to shop! It was a great memory of a time long gone. God's Blessings on Jerry and strength to his family in this difficult time.