Businessman with founding role in two prominent banks dies

A World War II veteran born in the Great Depression, Robert Blanchard Sr. has a business career that lasted over 60 years.

  • By Business Observer Staff
  • | 3:04 p.m. December 4, 2020
Officials celebrating the opening of the Blanchard Banking Center in June include, from left, Chairman James Ferman; board member and Blanchard’s son Robert Blanchard Jr.; Robert Blanchard Sr.; and founder A. Gerald Divers.
Officials celebrating the opening of the Blanchard Banking Center in June include, from left, Chairman James Ferman; board member and Blanchard’s son Robert Blanchard Jr.; Robert Blanchard Sr.; and founder A. Gerald Divers.
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Polk County banker Ernie Pinner fondly recalls attending Bob Blanchard’s Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City for an annual event where several hundred people gathered, ate barbecue and, notably, donated to a variety of causes. One thing that stood out was Blanchard, says Pinner, went out of his way to greet everyone like they were the guest of honor.

 

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