Houlton, Maine - Robert J. Blanchette, 83, died after a sudden illness on December 4, 2025. In the days before, he had enjoyed attending and participating in the 70th Houlton Rotary Club Auction with his fellow Rotarians, Thanksgiving and birthday celebration with his family. Robert "Bob" "Turkey," born on November 29, 1942, was a lifetime Houlton resident and was the third son of nine children born to Onezime and Ernestine (Rossignol) Blanchette.

Bob attended St. Mary's Catholic School, a Franciscan seminary in Upstate New York, Houlton High School and was a lifelong communicant at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Bob's interest in electronics and computers began in the '60s while working at WHOU Radio. Bob spent 33 years at the station - as a DJ, program director, sports announcer, salesman, copywriter, part-time engineer, and anything that needed doing. His hobby of computers turned into his own business, Computer Assist. He finished his career at Houlton Regional Hospital as their network administrator for 16 years. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling to Florida with his wife, Mary. His interest in community service began in the late 1960s as one of the founding members of the Houlton Jaycees and then continued with the Houlton Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and received a Lifetime Achievement award for his service.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary (Henderson) Blanchette; his parents, Onezime and Ernestine (Rossignol) Blanchette; and his brothers, Gary, Roger, Donald, Brian and David. His memory will be cherished by his children, Deborah Ropple and husband, Edward, of W. Charleston, VT, and Peter Blanchette and wife, Rhonda, of Houlton, ME; his grandchildren, Andrew Blanchette and wife, Christiana, of Manchester, NH, Christopher Blanchette of Saco, ME, Benjamin Ropple of Tucson, AZ, Edward Ropple and wife, Gabby, of Braintree, MA; as well as his siblings, Richard Blanchette and wife, Terry, of Saco, ME, and Ann Prendergast and husband, John, of Litchfield, NH; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Friends may call Monday, December 15, from 10-11 a.m. at St Mary's Catholic Church, Military Street, Houlton, with a Mass of Christian burial being held at 11 a.m. with Fr. Kevin Martin officiating. Spring interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Flowers appreciated, but those who wish may donate to the Houlton Rotary Club in Bob's memory. To share condolence and memories, please visit bowersfuneral.com.