OLD TOWN – Francis Joseph LeBlanc, 86, passed away peacefully March 16, 2009, with his loving wife and family members at his side. He was born Oct. 20, 1922, in Old Town, son of Arthur and Hilda (Roy) LeBlanc. Francis graduated from Old Town High School, Class of 1940. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. His professional career included 32 years in the family grocery business with 10 of those years serving as an officer and director of the Associated Grocers of Maine. He then worked many years with the University of Maine Folger Library, leading to his retirement in 1984. For 40-plus years, Francis served as an officer and director in the credit union movement, the last 20 years of which was associated with Penobscot County Federal Credit Union. Francis was a proud member of Old Town Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post No. 84, Orono. Francis loved and spent a great deal of time with his woodwork. His handiwork is widespread, but not more evident than at his camp on Pushaw Lake. He and Joseline transitioned the camp into a warm and loving home where they enjoyed many years of loving gatherings and entertainment with family, friends and neighbors. It was at the lake that most will remember the wonderful stories that Frannie would tell and share. Francis is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Joseline (Dupuis) LeBlanc. He will be fondly remembered as “Uncle Frannie” and “Frannie” to his many nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, extended family members in Florida, Massachusetts and Maine; his dear friends, Carie and David in Saco; and to his countless friends, neighbors and associates. He was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Lorraine LeBlanc. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph Hospital, Bangor. The care and compassion given to Francis, as well as the kindness and courtesy given to many family members, is greatly appreciated. Relatives and friends are invited to join his wife in a celebration of his life 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where members of the Knights of Columbus will recite prayers 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday at Resurrection Parish, Holy Family, with the Rev. Thomas Farley, celebrant. A reception will be held after the Mass at Resurrection Parish Hall. Spring interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Resurrection of the Lord Parish, Holy Family Building Fund, 429 Main St., Old Town, ME 04468 or Crossroad Ministries in Old Town, 2 Wood St., Old Town, ME 04468. Condolences may be made to www.mem.com.
FRANCIS JOSEPH LEBLANC
