Robert "Rob" V. Blanchflower

Our beloved Robert “Rob” Vito Blanchflower of Leominster passed away suddenly on January 25th.

Born on April 14, 1954 in Fitchburg, he grew up in Lunenburg with his parents, Robert and Virginia Blanchflower, and sister Judy. Rob attended Lunenburg High School and Bridgeton Academy, and was a proud alum of Assumption College in Worcester, where he played lacrosse and football. At Assumption he met the love of his life, Liz (Cafaro). They married in 1982 and raised their children, Olivia, Kristina, and Robert, in Leominster. Rob was an utterly devoted husband and father who deeply cherished his family.

Rob had a long career as a commercial real estate broker, working throughout Massachusetts and New England for more than 40 years.

From Rob’s early experiences in Outward Bound and throughout his adulthood, he was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hiking, camping, and flyfishing. He was a member of the North Leominster Rod and Gun Club, and volunteered on the Mt. Wachusett Ski Patrol for more than a decade. An accomplished athlete, he loved to cycle and competed in multiple races including marathons and the Ironman triathlon. A true Renaissance man, Rob also dabbled in acting, and more recently developed a passion for photography and bonsai. He loved to gather family and friends around good food, and some of his specialties include red pepper hummus, smoked bacon, and pizzas on the grill.

Rob will be remembered for his relentless charm, incomparable wit, and his devotion to his loved ones and community. He was a deeply principled and hardworking man with a tremendous heart.

He is survived by his wife Liz, daughters Olivia (Chris) and Kristina (Carly), son Robert (Cathy), grandchildren Gabriel and Luna, mother Virginia, sister Judy, and nieces and nephews Brianna, John, Matt, Will, Erin, Stephanie, and Noah. Rob is preceded in death by his father, Robert James Blanchflower and brother in-law Steve “Chico” Giacoppe.

Calling hours will be held at Richardson Funeral Home in Leominster on Thursday February 5 from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at St. Leo’s Church in Leominster on Friday February 6 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Froelich School of Nursing at Assumption University by visiting https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/10288/donations/new and designating the gift to the Froelich School of Nursing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Rob" V. Blanchflower, please visit our floral store.