BANGOR and HUDSON, N.Y. – Howard “Howie” Francis LeBlanc, 87, passed away May 5, 2011, in Yountville, Calif., in Napa Valley. He was born Sept. 25, 1923, in Newton, Mass., to John and Matilda (Poirier) LeBlanc, and grew up in Carlyle, Mass.
Howie served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on a destroyer in the South Pacific and married Marion Seekins in 1945, with whom he had two sons, Richard and David. That marriage ended in divorce. After his discharge from the Navy he built a career in sales and became owner of Mott-Manbeck Machinery Co., Latham, N.Y. In 1960 he married Marian Hanson with whom he had another son, Jack. From 1952 to 1997 he and his family resided in Hudson, N.Y., where he served as president of the Jaycees and manager of Little League and Babe Ruth leagues. Howie was an avid skier and a member of the National Ski Patrol at Catamount Ski Resort, as well as being a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed camping and waterskiing with his family. He made friends wherever he went, and was beloved by many for his sense of humor and warm personality. In 2002 he moved to California, where his oldest son resides.
He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years; son, David; brothers, Al and Paul; and grandson, Kurt. Survivors include sons, Richard LeBlanc of Oakland, Calif., and Jack LeBlanc of Providence, R.I.; a sister, Rita Murphy of Framingham, Mass.; grandchildren, Lisa Longacker, Christopher John LeBlanc, Buffy Michelle LeBlanc, Danielle Kuo-LeBlanc, Christopher Kuo-LeBlanc, Elena Kuo-LeBlanc and Martiana Kuo-LeBlanc; and two great-grandsons. His cheerful spirit, words of encouragement and sunny smile were an inspiration to his family and friends, and his passing leaves a void in the lives of all who loved him.
Family and friends may visit 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, Bangor. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House, benefiting our wounded veterans and their families, at www.fisher-house.org. Condolences may be offered to his family at
www.kileyandfoley.com.