Obituary of Richard Blanding

Richard Blanding was born in Alcolu, South Carolina on June 16, 1951.  He departed his earthly life on January 10, 2024.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents and 4 of his siblings.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of South Bound Brook for 32 years, serving as Chairman of the Trustee Board, Usher Board and Church Sexton.  Presently a member of HOPE Church (House of Prayer and Evangelism) for 18 years, serving as an Usher and Church Sexton.

After graduating high school in Long Island City, NY, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp., 1969- 1973, when he was honorably discharged.

In 1973 he was employed by American Hoechst in Bridgewater, NJ for 24 years.   He then decided to get his CDL and drove a truck until he joined Merck in Rahway, NJ for 10 years.  He retired from Merck in 2010.

Richard loved to go fishing in and out of state.  He was often referred to as the Fish Man!  He had a love for music (blues and Motown) and sports (especially football and basketball). He enjoyed attending his grandson’s practices and games of Football.

Richard was an awesome husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law and so on.  He was there for everyone he came in contact with.  We called him the Gentle Giant!

Richard leaves to cherish his memory his wife Glenda Hinton Blanding, of 49 years.  Daughters – Shannon and Laquisha, Sons-Jason (deceased) and Aaron.  Grandsons- Tyree, Jaylen, Amari and Isaiah.

Sisters – Mable Bennett(Walter)-SC, Lee McFadden(Stanley)-SC, Lenora Bunton-NJ. Brothers-Mike Boyd(Theresa)-SC, Lenard Boyd-SC, Sister-in-law, Venita Hinton-GA, Brother-in-law, Kevin Hinton-TX.  A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time.  But no one seems to care or wonder why.  No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.  For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.” Isaiah 57:1-2