Nicholas C. Blancato, aged 27, of Massachusetts and formerly of Middletown, passed away on September 27. Born on August 29, 1992, in Middletown, he was the son of Dominic Blancato of Meriden and Barbara LaRocca of Florida. Nicholas is also survived by his brother, Sebastian V. Blancato of Salem, Connecticut.
Nicholas’s life was marked by his service in the U.S. Marines, where he demonstrated commitment and bravery. His dedication to his country was evident in his service, and his legacy as a Marine is a testament to his character and strength.
A graveside service with full military honors was held on Wednesday, October 16, at 1 p.m. in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield. Friends and family gathered to pay their respects and celebrate his life at the Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St., Middletown, on Tuesday, October 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Nicholas Blancato’s memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow Marines. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.