Richard LeBlanc

ALFRED — Richard G. LeBlanc, 82, of Pine Cone Drive in Alfred, died June 20, 2009, at the Greenwood Center in Sanford.

He was born on May 10, 1927, in Salem, Massachusetts, a son of Adrien and Mabel (Jedrey) LeBlanc.

He attended grade school at St. Mary's in Salem and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Danvers. He began his studies at Boston College and, as so many of his generation, enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He received the World War II Victory Medal and American Theatre Medal.

Richard joined the family business, LeBlanc's Linoleum, and enjoyed the day-to-day operations and working in the sales division.

He married Mary Louise Mahoney, and they raised their family in Danvers, Massachusetts, for 47 years before moving to Alfred in 2004.

Richard had a very strong faith and was very active within the Catholic Church. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and sang with several church choirs.

Richard loved singing with a Barber Shop Quartet and was a faithful member of the Beverly Massachusetts Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He was also a gifted musician who played the organ.

Following retirement, Mr. LeBlanc was requested to sing at numerous weddings and funerals. His rich, full voice could bring both comfort and joy to those in attendance. Though Mr. LeBlanc was battling the effects of Alzheimer's disease, he practiced daily for months to sing "I Love You, Truly" at the wedding of his granddaughter, Jennifer Cross, who was married to Glen Quimby on October 6, 2007.

He is survived by his two daughters, Nancy L. Truesdell and husband, Parker, of Sanford, and Ann Marie LeBlanc, of Haverhill, Massachusetts; his siblings, Robert LeBlanc, Philip LeBlanc, George LeBlanc, Adrian LeBlanc, Eileen Szezchowiez and Claire Turcotte; his grandchildren, Jennifer Quimby and husband, Glen, Matthew C. Cross, Devin, Brady and Adrian Tatro, Howard Truesdell and wife, Brenda, and Donna Linkel and husband, Lance; three great-grandchildren, Riley Cross and Elias and Emelia Linkel; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Mary LeBlanc, in 2006, a daughter, Mary Ellen LeBlanc, in October 2001, and his brother, Paul LeBlanc.

Family and friends visited with his family on Wednesday, June 24, at the Autumn Green Funeral Home at 47 Oak Street in Alfred.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, June 25, at St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish at Notre Dame Church in Springvale.

Committal prayers and burial were at Annunciation Cemetery in Danvers, Massachusetts.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 170 US Route One, Suite 250, Falmouth, Maine 04105.

The Autumn Green Funeral Home respectfully handled arrangements.