Jesse L. Blanding a native of Lugoff, SC was born to Beauregard and Mazie Blanding. Jesse was born on August 19, 1945 and was educated in the Lugoff and Camden, SC school system. At age 22, Jesse sought out and made Brooklyn, New York his home. As a young adult, he gave his life to Christ and became a member of New Canaan Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. Jesse’s faith in God was nurtured under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. A. L. Cunningham as well as the pastoral guidance of Pastor Emeritus Reverend Richard J. Lawson. He remained a faithful member of New Canaan under the watchful and loving leadership of his pastor, Reverend Alonza Wright, Jr. until his passing. Many of Jesse’s career years were spent as a jack-of-all trades. However, in 1984, he found his passion as a boiler repair man with Walley’s Fuel Company. Until his retirement in 1998, Jesse Blanding was known as one of the best boiler repairmen in the business across Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. So many churches and family residences were able to count on him when emergencies arose in the midst of the coldest weather. Not only did Jesse repair boilers, he also worked many years as a charter bus driver for New Canaan’s bus company as well as Gene Duncan’s Charter Bus. He shared his knowledge of cars by demonstrating his mechanic skills. Brother Blanding was instrumental in creating the worship place where New Canaan is located today, because of his Mr. Fix-it knowledge. His passion for gospel and quartet singing found him serving as president of the New Canaan Male Chorus for more than ten years and often leading the selection, “It’s Getting Late in the Evening”. Years later he became manager of the New Flames of Harmony of Brooklyn, NY. Jesse loved to drive and enjoyed traveling extensively. Many road trips to his home, allowed him to make friends along the way. Often stopping at his favorite breakfast spot, the Thunderbird Restaurant in Florence, SC. His love of cooking allowed him to frequent great food places throughout his travels. He was passionate about the love he showed for his family and friends. Often going out of his way Jesse would often give the shirt off his back when he knew someone was in need. On Thursday, October 8, 2020, Jesse L. Blanding answered the call of the soft whisper of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and quietly slipped away. To cherish and honor his life he leaves to mourn his children: Jessie Blanding of Elfin, SC; Mazie Blanding of Bradenton, FL; Geanine Robinson of Brooklyn, NY; Yasmine Blanding of Albany, NY; Donnell Chavis, Jessica Blanding, Jennifer Blanding, Jestina Blanding all of Brooklyn, NY; Christina Heyward-Blanding, Precious Heyward-Blanding both of Queens, NY and Darnell Raspberry of Brooklyn, NY. Godchildren, Brian Kornegay, Shavone McKoy, Sean Parker and Paul Smalls are also mourn his passing. Jesse leaves behind 28 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren to share his memory. There are 4 sisters, Eloise Fleming of Camden, SC; Daisy Blanding (Frank Beaufort) of Charlotte, NC; Mary Hankins (Larry) of Eastpointe, MI and Vanessa Blanding of Southfield , MI. Also left behind are nieces and nephews, his cousin Bo-Peep who was more like a brother, his companion, Sharon Outlaw who never left his side during his health crisis. A host of family and friends were also left to mourn his passing. Jesse was proceeded in death by his parents, Beauregard and Mazie Blanding, his daughter Sylvia Robinson, his brother Willie Blanding, and his sister, Rozeanna Murphy. A viewing will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10:30 – 11:30 at Powers Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. in Mt. Prospect UMC Cemetery. Humbly submitted the Family of Jesse L. Blanding