Business continued as usual Monday at Liberty Chrysler on Lacey Boulevard, as technicians and fellow employees worked to service a constant stream of automobiles. But under the surface, the air hung heavy for these workers, just two days after a late night fight in Armona led to the death of 27-year-old Robert Blancett, a parts advisor for the business.

"Everybody is quiet," said technician Ernesto Cabrera, looking down as he spoke about his former co-worker. "It is so quiet here. He was everybody's friend, you know? People are taking it pretty hard."

Known as "Robbie" to his friends, Blancett is described as being friendly and kind, the sort of person who would go to any length to help a person in need.

"I know everyone says this, but he would literally take the shirt off his back and give it to you," service advisor Frank Volpe said. "I know everyone says that about a person something tragic happens to, but he was always kindly. He would stop at the side of the road to help you.

"Now his children are without a dad."

He leaves behind three children, two girls and a boy, according to his co-workers.

"I just don't believe it, it's unbelievable," said friend and former co-worker Anthony Brault. "This was the kind of guy whose family came first and his friends loved him. He would do anything for anyone and he is somebody you don't want to lose. I can't believe this would happen to a guy as nice as him."

For the people he left behind, Blancett's traces are everywhere. His picture is posted on the wall. His business card sits on display at the parts counter. The memories of how he greeted every day are felt by all.

"I can't imagine what his family is going through, because it has been incredibly hard for us," parts manager Mike Jacobs said. "He made it fun to work here. This job can be a very stressful environment, so he made it easy for us to enjoy ourselves. Now you walk around and you see things that belonged to him, and it just doesn't feel real."

Just before his death on Oct. 11, Blancett received a promotion that would have brought with it a higher degree of responsibility and a higher income. This Thursday would have marked his six-year anniversary working at Liberty Chrysler.

"Robbie was one of those guys that made coming into work worthwhile," service manager Brandon LaMattino said. "He was a fun, happy-go-lucky guy. Every day, he came in with the same attitude and the same smile on his face. If you screwed up your paperwork, he'd say, 'well, it's twice as much work for me, but no big deal.'

"As a manager, you get someone who is good at their job, willing to show up and work on time every day, and that is incredibly hard to replace. Not just as an employee, but as a friend."

Blancett was killed on Saturday night while visiting a friend's home in the 14900 block of Hanford-Armona Road. What was originally reported to be a party held at the home was later determined by law enforcement officials to be a gathering of individuals to help a friend move. Alcohol was found on the scene and investigators say that an altercation broke out just after 9 p.m.

Reports from unconfirmed sources say that Blancett may have been stabbed while trying to protect a woman who was present when the fight occurred. Others state that he was attacked while trying to break up a fight involving the suspect, 27-year-old Taylor Ray Gallespie.

A funeral date is not yet scheduled, pending an autopsy by the Kings County Coroner's Office.

"Today is reality for me," LaMattino said. "Today is walking to the parts counter and he's not standing there with a smile and a comment for you. It's a whole different world now."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Oct. 14, 2008)