Dennis G. Blanchard

Dennis Gary Blanchard, 86 years of age was promoted to glory June 30, 2025. He was born on January 29, 1939, in Niagara Falls, New York to Roy Blanchard and Flora Whitmore Blanchard. He graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo, New York in 1958. He entered The Salvation Army’s School for Officers Training in the fall of 1959. Dennis was a member of the Great Heart Session of The Salvation Army’s Officers Training School located in the Bronx. He was commissioned and ordained as an officer of The Salvation Army in 1960 and served faithful as a minister of the gospel for 44 years until his retirement in 2004. He joined together in marriage to Norma Rosario Lellie on September 5, 1964. They were gifted with twin daughters (Jacki and Joy) and a son (Eric). Throughout the years, he and Norma pastored Salvation Army churches in Norwalk, Ohio, Zanesville, Ohio, Barberton Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Warren, Pennsylvania, and Pottsville, Pennsylvania before Norma’s Promotion to Glory in 1989. . His last appointment as a Salvation Army officer, he was assigned as the Program Assistant at The Salvation Army’s Williams Residence in New York City, N.Y., where he provided programming for the older Adults. Dennis was known for his kind and giving heart and his gift of gab. He didn’t know any strangers. He was a friend to many and was cherished by all. His love for God and others knew no bounds.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Norma Rosario (Lellie) Blanchard, his mother Flora Whitmore Blanchard, Father Roy Blanchard, and brother Donald Blanchard. He is survived by his children, daughters Major Jacki Blanchard (Pittsburgh, PA), Major Joy Blanchard ( New City, New York) and son Eric (Kimberlee) of Hubbard, Ohio, his adopted daughter Deborah Blanchard (Ambridge, PA) , and grandson kai and many nieces and nephews, cousins. The family would ask in lieu of flowers remembrance gifts being given to The Salvation Army Kearny, New Jersey corps his home church. He faithfully supported the ministry of the corps and was a beloved member of the corps.

Services will be held on Monday, July 7th. Viewing will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with the services at 5:00 p.m. at The Salvation Army 28 Beech street, Kearny, New Jersey. Major Edgar and Barbara George will be officiating the service. There will be a light meal provided afterwards. Internment will be at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla , New York, July 8th at 11:00 a.m.