William “Bill” J. Blanchet

FARMINGTON – William “Bill” J. Blanchet, 77, of Farmington, passed away Feb. 15, 2025. He was born on March 9, 1947, in Waltham, Massachusetts, to Walter and Gladys Blanchet.

Bill graduated from Waltham High School and attended Boston University. In 1969, he married Kathleen Gould of Charlestown, Massachusetts, and together they raised two children, Michael Blanchet and Laurie Mateo.

Bill worked for many years as a security guard at MIT and also spent time as a substitute teacher. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him and his wife, Kathy, to open antique shops in both Massachusetts and Maine. In 1992, he moved to Maine and operated Grist Mill Antiques in New Vineyard.

A devoted father, Bill worked hard to provide his children with wonderful childhood memories, including summer days spent in the family’s pool, where neighborhood friends would gather for swimming and wiffle ball games. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his friends, family, and especially his grandchildren.

Bill had a gift for making friends wherever he went. Known for his quick wit, vast knowledge of trivia, and talent for answering Jeopardy! questions, he often joked that he was “a sea of useless information.” He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots, attending many games throughout his life.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters Charlotte Hays and Margaret Blanchet, children, Michael Blanchet and his partner Maryellen, Laurie Mateo and her husband Danny; his grandchildren, Drew Blanchet and his fiancé Elizabeth, Rileigh Blanchet, Nathan Gregory, Michael Ringer II and his wife Persephone, Blu Mateo and his spouse Auggie, Jasmine Mateo, Jackson Ringer, and Destiny Mateo; as well as many others whom he considered his grandchildren.

Bill’s generosity, kind spirit, and unwavering love for his family and friends will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Bill’s life is being planned, date TBD.