Leslie "John" Blattenberger

Leslie “John” Blattenberger – Methuen, MA

Leslie “John” Blattenberger of Methuen, MA passed away peacefully on July 31, 2022 at home under the loving care of his wife Donna, daughter Kim and other family with the help of Care Dimensions, a local Hospice group.  He had suffered for many years with COPD.

John, son of the late Ronald Blattenberger and Laura (DeWitt) Blattenberger was born in Indiana, PA on February 22, 1941.

John went to work in the coal mines at an early age as did many young men of his time. Never one to be unemployed, he worked various jobs over the years including Tewksbury State Hospital, landing at Raytheon in the early 70’s and retiring from there in 2004.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Donna (Allen) Blattenberger, his loving daughter Kimberly Blattenberger and her significant other William “Bill” Roberts of Saltsburg, PA (formerly of Epping, NH), stepdaughter Donalda DeChaney-Smith and her husband John “Jack” Smith of Newbury Park, CA, grandson John Blattenberger and special friend Abiel Miller of Pittsburgh, PA, brother Gilbert ‘Gib” Blattenberger and wife Janice (LaChance) Blattenberger of Windham, NH, and brother Blaine Blattenberger of Cowansville, PA , Sister-in-law Donalda Allen and husband Ralph Allen of Alexander, ME and many cousins, nieces and nephews as well as the mother of daughter Kimberly, Pauline (Fink) Brosko of New Alexandria, PA.

John was predeceased by twin brothers Roy Blattenberger (Connie) and Ronald Blattenberger (Carolyn), sister Mary (Blattenberger) Wagner, his twin sister Loretta (Blattenberger) Noble (Perley), brother Wayne Blattenberger (who was a twin to Blaine) and Blaine’s wife Betty.

Besides his family, John’s loves for Country Music came next in line, thus the nickname, “Johnny No-Cash.” He started very young being taught to play the guitar by his Uncle Paul and singing Barbershop Quartet with his dad and other family members. Most of the Blattenberger Clan can sing and play thus family get-togethers were always centered around foot-stomping music and fun. John played out in many small venues over the years including Methuen American Legion Post 122 when his brother Roy was the bar manager. His last gigs were entertaining the Veterans at Chelsea Soldiers Home. They loved him!

John and Donna enjoyed their travels to PA, CA and FLA to visit family and enjoy the local sights. Of course, a couple of trips to Las Vegas and Foxwoods topped his travel list. John loved the slots and scratch tickets, which were always the best gift to give him for any occasion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for activities at Chelsea Soldiers’ Home. Please send donations to Donna, who will make sure this request is honored. Donations may be mailed to Donna Blattenberger, C/O Methuen Unit 122, ALA, P.O. Box 73, Methuen, MA 01844.

The family would like to thank everyone who participated in honoring John’s life and for all your love and prayers.

Calling hours are Monday, August 8, 2022 from 10 – 11:00 AM at Dewhirst & Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.  A funeral service will follow the calling hours at the funeral home at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow the funeral service in Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.  Please visit www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com for directions or to sign the online guest book.

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