Peter Alan Blanchard died peacefully at age 66 on April 17, 2021 in his Provincetown home. He was born in Weymouth on March 10, 1955 and was a practicing dentist with a career of over 30 years.
One of the founders and president of Dentaquest Oral Health Center in Westborough, Dr. Blanchard, alongside his partners, believed in the necessity of oral health education and in making the practice of preventive dentistry available and accessible to all.
Pete loved, inspired, and supported his many friends and family members. He loved scuba diving, traveling to Thailand, the Great Barrier Reef, and St. Martin. One of his favorite adventures was a safari in Tanzania, where he loved the sounds of the wild animals at night.
Many stories and memories of Pete will be ever-present in the hearts of those who loved him, including hikes in the White Mountains and Maine, skiing trips, cousins’ parties, and gatherings at the family cottage at Curlew Pond in Plymouth, at his condo in Provincetown, and in Boston.
He loved boating on Cape Cod Bay. He was gregarious, an avid listener and learner, and he loved music, going to Boston’s Symphony Hall many times. He was an active member of the community in both Provincetown and Boston and divided his time in retirement between the two places he loved.
Pete had strong opinions, was funny and charismatic, and prevailed with strength and soul through many personal tragedies and losses. Through all his trials, he gave those he cared for days filled with laughter and joy. He left too soon, and will be missed.
A loving friend, son, brother, and uncle, he is survived by his friend Alex White and his much-loved dog, Abby; his brother and sister-in-law, Al and Donna Blanchard; his nephew David Blanchard and wife Justine; his nephew Tom Blanchard and husband Edgar Casillas; his niece, Karyn Blanchard and husband Brendan Thurber; his great-nephews, Matt, Connor, and Jack; his great-niece, Paige; and many close cousins and friends in Provincetown, Boston, and around the country. Pete was predeceased by his partner, Michael Carey, with whom he shared so much.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Grafton, 30 Grafton Common, Grafton 01519. It will be live-streamed at facebook.com/UCCGrafton; after the service, attendees will be able to remain online to visit with family and friends.
A memorial gathering will be held in Provincetown at a time and date to be announced.
Memorial donations in Pete’s name may be made to GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), 18 Tremont St., Suite 950, Boston 02108 (or glad.org). To share a memory or leave an online condolence for the family, visit gatelyfuneralservice.com.
