Louis Vincent Blanchet, 82, of Staunton, VA died on Wednesday April 27 at home in the loving arms of his family. His life began on June 14, 1933 in Summit, New Jersey, the second son to the late Alexander Blanchet and Hazel (Morgan) Blanchet.

He was preceded in death by his brother Alexander H. Blanchet II. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janine; daughters, Catherine Blanchet (Gary Dutton) of Newark, DE; Julianne Bridgeman (Jack) of Milton, MA; Jennifer Homan (Eric) of Crozet, VA; Niccole Blanchet (Edward Holowicki) of Berkeley, CA; and sons: Michael of Wharton, NJ; Christopher (Melissa) of Morristown, NJ; and Matthew (Sue) of Marietta, GA; eleven grandchildren; Sara, Jenna and Morgan McCartan (Newark); Nicholas Bridgeman (Milton); Victoria and Kyle Blanchet (Marietta); Hunter and Elizabeth Blanchet (Morristown); Lucas and Sylvie Homan (Crozet); Simon Holowicki (Berkeley); and one great granddaughter, Aria Riley (Newark).

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend, Lou grew up in Florham Park, NJ. After graduating from Villanova University in 1955 where he was a member of the golf team, he served in the U.S. Navy through 1957, stationed in Key West, FL. He returned to New Jersey where he raised his family in Bernardsville and began his career in education with the Madison public school system. He received his Masters Degree in Mathematics Education from Montclair University in 1964. As Mathematics Department Head and Staff Development Specialist at Madison High School, he worked to enrich the skills of the district teaching staff. He initiated the first computer programming curriculum at Madison High School in the 1970s. He was also the cross-country and golf coach. After 33 years of service, Lou retired to Staunton, VA.

Lou was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Bernardsville. He was an avid golfer and runner. An early adopter of the fitness movement, he completed three New York City marathons in the late 1970s. He loved hiking the Shenandoah Valley with Janine. Lous passion for solving math problems was lifelong. During long drives to visit his children and grandchildren, he enjoyed creating and solving math problems on the road using numbers on passing license plates. Lou was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesboro, VA. In the various churches he belonged to throughout his life, he led RCIA programs, facilitated multiple prayer study groups, served as a Eucharistic Minister and developed youth education programs. His friends and family best remember Lou through his greatest interest, his love and service to his family and community, especially befriending senior citizens in need of fellowship and friendship. His children will always cherish the many hand written notes of encouragement, always ending with, we are proud of you. Phone calls always ended with, we are praying for you.

Ashes will be interred in the family plot at St. Vincents Cemetery, in Madison, NJ. His memorial service will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesboro, VA on June 10th, 2016 at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to the V. Foundation for Cancer Research (www.jimmyv.org) , St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Living Our Mission Campaign (www.stjohneva.com), or Hospice of the Shenandoah (www.augustahealth.com/hospice).