Flay Carlton Blanchard, 89, passed away peacefully, Friday, March 27, 2026, at Crystal Care Nursing Center, Mansfield. He was born in Medina, Ohio, on June 22, 1936, to Vernon and Helen (Huffman) Blanchard.
Flay served as a medic in the Army. During his service with the 3rd Infantry, he specialized in Morse Code and served as a driver for General Pond. He met the love of his life, Brenda Ribelin, and were married on October 14, 1961, in Medina, then moved to Mansfield. Work took him to Painesville for 10 years, before moving to Mansfield for career opportunities. Their bond endured until her passing in June 2006.
He was a devoted organic gardener who took great pride in planting and nurturing vegetables when they were in Painesville. Known as “Mr. Kingwood” in his neighborhood in Mansfield, he cultivated an extraordinary collection of 156 rose bushes in every color imaginable, and he lovingly gave a rose to his wife each day. He served as a 4-H advisor for the “Cabbage Worms” and coached his daughter’s softball team. Even into his late 70s, he found joy in journaling and reflecting on life. He was also a lifelong stamp collector, a passion he began at the age of eight, continued throughout the rest of his life.
An avid chess player, Flay took pride in teaching the game to his grandson and great-grandson. Family meant everything to him—he showed up to every gathering with pride and joy, always present, always listening, and always caring.
A dedicated community member, he was part of the Masonic Lodge and served as a Dad Advisor for DeMolay. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed trips with the Freedom Years program through Richland Bank. He worked for Beneficial Financial, retiring after 36 years, on December 31, 1996.
He had a special love for animals, particularly his rabbit Sunny, as well as his dogs. As a youth he raised and raced pigeons. Known for his great sense of humor and infectious laughter, he delighted in giving affectionate nicknames to his family members.
Flay cherished golfing with his son Mark, witnessing his Dad’s one and only hole-in-one on the 7th hole at Forest Hills Golf Club. He was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland baseball, Cleveland Cavaliers, and THE Ohio State University Buckeyes football team, rarely missing a game.
Flay is survived by his children, Beth (Dave) Brooks, Mark (Sheri) Blanchard, Sr.; grandchildren, Sara (Justin) Welter, Daniel (Leah) Pennell, Nicholas (Stephanie) Blanchard, Michael (Rachel) Blanchard, Mark (Daylea) Blanchard, Jr., Bailey (Ben) Turner; great-grandchildren, Connor, Ava and Sadie Welter; Finnley, Forrest and Genevieve Pennell; Grayson, Madelyn, Sylvie, Marlea and Nolan Blanchard, Jack Turner; sister-in-law, Sandy Blanchard; and niece, Sheri (Joe) Tucker
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Brenda (Ribelin) Blanchard; and brother, Gary Blanchard.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on April 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 Lexington Springmill Road, Ontario, Ohio. The funeral service will be at the funeral home on April 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM with Pastor Aaron Veyon officiating. Burial will follow at Mansfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kingwood Center, 50 N Trimble Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906.
