Paul R. Blanchette

DRACUT - Paul R. Blanchette, Jr., 49, of Dracut, MA died May 18, 2009 in Gloucester, while pursuing his lifelong passion, scuba diving. Born in Lowell on March 10, 1960 he was the son of the late Paul R. Blanchette, Sr and Judith (Cheetham) Blanchette. He was a graduate of the Greater Lowell Vocation School, class of 1978. Paul was employed by Evergreen Solar of Devens, MA and formerly by Brooks Automation of Chelmsford.
Paul, a passionate scuba diver, was introduced to the sport by his father at the age of twelve. He was a member of several scuba diving organizations including the Lowell Underwater Explorers, North Shore Frogmen, Metro West Dive Club, Moray Wheels and the Boston Deep Explores. Paul's diving career included over 40 dives on the Andrea Doria, the German Uboat-U853, the USS Bass, the USS Monitor, as well as many of the shipwrecks along the Atlantic Coast. Paul along with a team of 4 other divers recently made history as the first to locate and dive the Steamship Portland at a depth of over 400 feet.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Demetra "Debbie" (Panaras) Blanchette, and his niece Fayla Judith Blanchette, the light and joy of his life. Several aunts and uncles including Ernest and Rita Blanchette, Ann Blanchette, Claire Foner, John and Joanne Blanchette, Frank Cheetham, Priscilla Par�, many cousins, as well as an extensive diving community.