William Willard “Willard” Blansfield, 56, of North East, Maryland, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Born on July 3, 1970, in Elkton, Maryland, Willard was the beloved son of Lois Blansfield and the late Roland Blansfield, Jr. A graduate of North East High School, he spent 30 years working in the transportation industry, building a career marked by dedication and hard work.

Willard was a man with a truly generous heart and a genuine love for people. Sincere, faithful, and wonderfully easy to be around, he had a special way of making others feel comfortable, accepted, and valued. He never knew a stranger for long, and his warm personality and sense of humor made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. He loved to laugh, share a good joke, and enjoy the company of others. Even more than that, he simply wanted to see the people around him happy.

His faith was an important part of his life, and he was involved with Endeavor Church. Willard believed in kindness, compassion, and looking out for those who needed a helping hand. He had a particular place in his heart for the less fortunate and those who were too often forgotten. Helping others was not something he did for recognition; it was simply part of who he was.

Willard found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He loved spending time along the river, fishing, crabbing, and enjoying the outdoors. He especially enjoyed visiting the family beach, collecting driftwood for his craft projects, and putting his creativity to work. He also loved cooking, listening to all kinds of music, and, perhaps most of all, being surrounded by the people he loved.

Family and friendship meant everything to Willard. To him, friends were not simply friends; they were family. He treasured time spent with his loved ones, especially his nieces and nephews, and took great joy in being part of their lives. He shared an especially sweet bond with his great-niece, Rylee, whom he absolutely adored. She was his little buddy, and the two delighted in their time together, especially their playful games of silly string. Those small, happy moments were the kind of memories that meant the world to him.

Those who knew Willard will surely remember his playful spirit and his ability to find humor in just about anything. He was always good for a laugh, and his family fondly recalls the many times they would tease him, knowing he would take it all in stride. His laughter, his kindness, and his genuine enjoyment of simply being with others are memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Above all, Willard will be remembered for the tremendous love he carried in his heart. He gave freely of himself, cared deeply for others, and found his greatest happiness in the happiness of those around him. His life was a beautiful reminder that it is not grand gestures that leave the deepest impressions, but the everyday acts of love, kindness, friendship, and laughter that make a person unforgettable.

Willard is survived by his loving mother, Lois Blansfield; his siblings, Larry Pinder, Kim Edwards and her husband, Keith, Keith Pinder, Ros-Lyn Vicari and her husband, Lou, and Roland Blansfield III and his wife, Jennie. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, Louis, Jr., his wife Jessica and daughter Emme, Mollie and her children Rylee and Liam, and Jared his wife Sam and their son Levi, along with many other nieces and nephews, extended family members and dear friends who held a special place in his heart.

In addition to his father, Roland Blansfield, Jr., Willard was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Lee.

A memorial service celebrating Willard's life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church in North East, Maryland, with Sam Hartman officiating.

Though Willard's time here was far too short, the love he gave so generously will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered not only for the laughter he shared and the kindness he showed, but for the extraordinary heart that made him so deeply loved.

May those who knew him honor his memory by sharing a laugh, lending a helping hand, and showing a little extra kindness to someone who needs it, just as Willard so often did.