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Elwood “Doc” Blanchard Jr.: Chemist & Friend to Tech

By: Alumni Publications | Categories: In Memoriam

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Elwood “Doc” Blanchard Jr., Chem 53, MS Chem 54, of Mendenhall, Pa., on June 24. Blanchard’s youth instilled in him a remarkable work ethic, as he balanced tending to the family farm, helping his father on contracting jobs, and attending Spencer Central School, where he graduated in 1949. Blanchard attended Georgia Tech, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s in Chemistry, and participated in ROTC. He served his country for two years on active duty at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, then stayed on inactive reserve until 1961, when he was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant.
Following his active duty, Blanchard attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry. He was recruited to work by DuPont de Nemours, Inc., where he spent the entirety of his career. Starting out in the Central Research Department in 1959, he thereafter held managerial positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his final position as vice chairman. He also served as the non-executive chairman of Dupont Canada.

In retirement, Blanchard read extensively, enthusiastically supported Georgia Tech athletics, particularly football and basketball, and loved gathering with his immediate and extended family in Rock Hall, Md. He served as president of the Longwood Gardens Board of Trustees, as chairman of the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, and as a trustee of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences. His support for Georgia Tech included the creation of a fellowship to support junior faculty in the Chemistry Department.

Blanchard passed away peacefully at his home in Kennett Square, Pa., with his wife, Barbara Daly Blanchard, at his side. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara “Bobby” Blanchard-Lewis (Roger) of Morrisville, Va., and his son, Elwood Neal Blanchard (Mary), of Chadd’s Ford, Pa. His daughter, Marguerite Blanchard Dunn, predeceased him in March.

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