Alan Robert Blanchette

Dr. Alan R. Blanchette, Ph.D., 82, of New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Alan was one of five children and was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Dorothy (Latour) Blanchette; his older brother, Norman; and his younger brother, Laurence.

Alan earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Fairfield University and went on to receive his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. He began his career at Vicks before joining Personal Products Worldwide, a Johnson & Johnson company, in Milltown, NJ and retired from Johnson & Johnson in Skillman, NJ, where he was a respected Manager of Analytical Chemistry known for his meticulous work, collaborative spirit, and thoughtful mentorship.

Alan was a lifelong learner and a man of deep curiosity. In retirement, he embraced life with the same vigor he brought to his career. He took up swimming lessons at the YMCA, joined a local bicycle club, Century Road Club of America, and practiced Kung Fu, eventually earning his Black Sash. He found great joy in cycling, meticulously planning routes and sharing the road with like-minded friends. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing the Longest Day Ride—a 203-mile journey from High Point to Cape May, NJ—at the age of 53 in 1998.

Alan’s life was filled with intentional love and meaningful traditions. He was a romantic who never missed a special occasion. He brought home flowers for his wife, Susan, and marked not just birthdays and anniversaries, but even celebrated the day she quit smoking. Every St. Patrick’s Day, he brought green and white carnations to his wife and daughters—a simple but treasured act that filled their home with warmth.

As his family grew, Alan created new traditions. One of the most cherished was the annual Mother’s Day brunch—a tradition he established for Susan, and his daughters. While the women relaxed, the men prepared a beautiful meal: his famous old-fashioned oatmeal topped with fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, a splash of heavy cream, and brown sugar; eggs made to order; crispy bacon; and fresh-squeezed orange juice. And, true to form, he made sure the men—and eventually the grandchildren—handled all the cleanup.

He loved being a grandpa to his three grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to play a game with them, attend their birthday parties, sporting and school events, or just be there for them. His presence was constant and reassuring, and the memories they built together will be treasured for a lifetime.

He taught his daughters the value of financial planning and thoughtful living. He led with quiet strength and a deep sense of responsibility, instilling lifelong values in his children and grandchildren.

Alan will be remembered for his intellect, compassion, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family. He lived with a full heart, always giving more than he took, and never missing a moment to make someone feel seen and celebrated.

Alan is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Susan (Farley) Blanchette, the love of his life. He was the proud father of two daughters, Jennifer McConnell and her husband, Scott McConnell and Jill Kaminski and her partner, Dave Lakatos, and the cherished grandfather of Shane Kaminski (Devon), Caitlin McConnell (Lucas Marino), and Megan McConnell. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Susan McGough (James), his brother Donald Blanchette (Maureen), his sisters-in-law Erica Blanchette, and Jan Blanchette, his son-in-law Rob Kaminski, his dear Auntie Betty Miller, and many loving nieces and nephews.  He was also the brother-in-law of Jay Farley, Richard Farley, Jane Farley Golden and the late E. John Farley. 

He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and joyful tradition that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

“Celebrate everything, love deeply, and never miss a chance to make someone feel special.” — a philosophy he lived every day.

A formal visitation will be held at the Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick on Sunday June 8th from 2pm-6pm

Funeral services will take place on Monday at 10am at the Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick, all to meet at the funeral home at 9am.

Committal services will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum.

Per request of the family, all donations in lieu of flowers are to be made to the North Brunswick Township Food Bank, 15 Linwood Place North Brunswick New Jersey. https://northbrunswicknj.gov/programs_and_service/food-bank/