Leo L. Corbin

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Leo Ludger Corbin, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 22, 2016, surrounded by his loving wife and family after a long battle with cancer.

Leo is survived by his first love and wife of 68 years, Anita Mae Corbin (Loukes); four of his five children, Albert Corbin, Bruce Corbin, Deanna Goyette (Corbin) and, Lisa McNally (Corbin). He was predeceased by his son, Paul Corbin, whose birthday he passed away on to join in heaven. Leo also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Leo was born in Nashua, N.H., on September 22, 1927, to Francis Corbin and Loretta (Vien) Corbin. He attended Portsmouth schools and entered the Navy at age 17. Leo was a proud Veteran of World War II (U.S. Navy) stationed in China where he learned to play the harmonica as a member of a maritime band. He went on to retire from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he worked as a Pipefitter (Shop 56) for 18+ years.

Leo met the love of his life, Anita Mae Loukes (Corbin), in 1947 when he was a young man and spotted her walking by a Portsmouth restaurant. He proceeded to point her out to his buddies and tell them, "See that girl? I'm going to marry her." On December 4, 1948, Leo did just that making Anita Mae Loukes (Corbin) his wife, the mother of his children and his devoted partner in life for 68 years.

Leo's family meant the world to him. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of Leo's favorite places to be was the waterfront camp in Maine that he built for Anita and their children in 1967 where he enjoyed family get-togethers, boating, fishing, turtle/frog catching, horseshoes, music, bonfires, endless games of cribbage and tinkering (maybe hiding) in his shed driving Anita crazy. In Leo's later years he enjoyed playing Yahtzee with Anita whom he swears cheated because his eyesight wasn't what it used to be… Anita profusely denies his allegations with a wink. Leo had a great (dry) sense of humor his entire life, not always funny but definitely dry.

Leo spent his final days at the Clipper Home in Portsmouth where he quickly became known as the harmonica man, playing his harmonica feverishly to Johnny Cash songs. He was loved and appreciated by all of the other residents for his kindness, sense of humor and generosity. Just days before Leo passed, he and his family passed out 40+ stuffed animals to all of the Dementia/Alzheimer's patients he shared his living space with, spreading joy and comfort to others with a huge smile on his face. Leo was an amazing man, husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed by everyone he knew. He lived a full life filled with love and happiness.

Per Leo's request, there won't be services or a funeral for him. Those wishing to honor Leo's memory are encouraged to reach out to a Dementia/Alzheimer's care facility to donate teddy bears, musical instruments and/or time to enrich the patients' lives.