James Blanco

James (Jim) Blanco, 93, of Hingham, MA, formerly of West Hartford, CT and Hilton Head, SC passed away peacefully on Friday July 22, 2022.

He was born in Hartford, CT on February 11, 1929.  Jim graduated from Buckley High School in 1947 and joined the United States Air Force/Connecticut National Guard with 4 of his best buddies.  After his service, he worked at Pratt & Whitney as a Tool Designer and then went to Hamilton Standard as a Design Draftsman.  He retired from Valeron Corporation as a Tool Salesman.  Jim was a family man through and through.  Such a gentle, kind and loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather.  He will also be remembered by his childhood, lifelong friends and their children that are considered family. Summers at the family Cape Cod cottage were such treasured memories, including the famous annual Labor Day Clam Bake.  He and his best friends (“the gang”) always had fun with their sing-alongs at every gathering. Jim enjoyed playing word games and board games with his friends and family. He also, loved extended family reunions on cruises to tropical destinations and beaches in S.C.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Corrado and Francesca Zenettini Blanco, sisters, Joanne Tirinzonie and Patricia Blanco and brother Joseph Blanco. He was also, predeceased by his first wife, Margaret Frohman Blanco and his second wife, Mary McCluskey Blanco and daughter Mary Wilkes.  He is survived by his daughters Jean Blanco, Laurie (Peter) Buttkus and Beth (Bill) Powers, son Bill McGrane and son-in-law Duncan Wilkes.  He lovingly leaves his nine grandchildren: Molly Fortenberry, Kari Buttkus, Victoria Lopez, Andrew Powers, Courtney Goode, Matthew Wilkes, Caitlin Uttley, Caley Noles and Meagan Eggler.  He is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday July 30, 2022 at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham MA. from 10-11 A.M. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 A.M. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090 or Willing Warriors, 16013 Waterfall Road, Haymarket, VA 20169-2126

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