Obituary of John A. Blanco

John A. Blanco of Mt. Arlington passed away peacefully with his wife Ann, by his side, on Friday, July 25, 2014 at the New Jersey Fireman's Home in Boonton. He was born October 1, 1926 in Bronx NY to the late Madeline and Gennaro (Jerry) Blanco. John enlisted in the Navy in 1944 as a gunnery instructor during WWII. In 1949 he married the love of his life, Ann Passanante and moved to Landing in 1959 and served the Mt. Arlington Community throughout the years. In 1961, he joined the Mt. Arlington Fire Department and worked his way up the ranks to Secretary, and then Fire Chief in 1976, and continued to serve the department holding the position of Treasurer for 24 years. His service to Mt. Arlington included positions as President of the Mt. Arlington Board of Health and Chair of the Mt. Arlington Fire Department 50th Anniversary Parade. He contributed to the design of the official flag of the Borough of Mt. Arlington, helped build the Lake Rogerene Firehouse and organized many fundraising projects over the years that benefited the Fire Department. His dedication to the community was one of his great passions. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Dover Chapter and a past member of the Color Corps. John was self-employed as a builder/carpenter and enjoyed and was extremely talented in the skills of his trade. Beloved husband of 65 years of Ann. Devoted father of Madeline (Lynn) and John Blanco and the late Jerry Blanco (2013). Dear brother of Antoinette Passanante. Cherished brother-in-law of Albert and Deanna Passanante, Ginny Passanante and Elaine Passanante. Loving grandfather of Kimberly. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in his memory may be made to the New Jersey Fireman's Home, 565 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005 or to the Mt. Arlington Fire Department, PO Box 56, Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856.