Edward P. LeBlanc

Edward Peter LeBlanc, loving and devoted husband and dad, passed away at the age of 92 at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton, NH on August 10, 2020. His wish was to live until he was 92 years old like his grandfather and die in his sleep, which he did. Edward was born on December 1, 1927 in Waltham, MA the only child of Marjorie McLaren born in Boston, MA and Peter Anthony LeBlanc born in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Edward spent his childhood in Waltham, MA graduating from Waltham High School and the Arthur A. Henson Trade School. After schooling at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to support the war efforts of WWII serving as Seaman Second Class. He was awarded the American Area Campaign and World War II Victory medals. He later became a member of the American Legion Post #0081 in Contoocook, NH. Edward met and fell in love with Harriet Dube from Berlin, NH. They were married on December 6, 1951 and continued to celebrate sixty-eight wedding anniversaries and years of marriage together. He is survived by his wife, Harriet D. LeBlanc and two daughters; Carol Ann Mortenson and husband, Kenton George Mortenson of Danville, NH and Jill Colardeau and husband, Stephen Joseph Colardeau of Andover, NH. He also leaves behind sister-in-law, Doris M. Gendron-Dube of Berlin, NH and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Kenneth G. Dube and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Albert R. and Barbara T. Cross of North Conway, NH and Stuart M. and Margaret T. Readio of Dunbarton, NH. As an only child, he always felt his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law were like siblings he never had. Edward and Harriet raised their daughters in Allenstown, NH where he was employed as a conductor, trainman, and brakeman by the Boston & Maine Railroad. He spent his railroad days traveling and working around New England creating special memories including caboose rides his daughters fondly remember at the Concord and Manchester railroad yards. The family also remembers signaling to him with the back porch lights of their home as his train whistled by along the Merrimack River. Edward was a sportsman enjoying time with friends and relatives whether it be hunting, fishing, bowling, or golfing (even sinking a hole-in-one at Plausawa Valley Country Club in Pembroke, NH). After having met on the dance floor, Edward and Harriet enjoyed many years of dancing together including jitterbugging and ballroom dancing. They also enjoyed country music and saw Johnny Cash several times. Later in life, Edward affectionately referred to his dancing and life partner Harriet as "the Boss". Upon retirement, Edward and Harriet moved to Pillsbury Lake in Webster, NH where they volunteered in the Pillsbury Lake Community. They also assisted aging friends in the neighborhood and the community later did the same for them. Due to declining health from Alzheimer's disease, Edward lived at the Peabody Home in Franklin, NH and then later at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton, NH. Some may remember his great sense of humor and his words, "I don't drink, smoke, or fool around" and "I love my wife". The family would like to thank all staff members from both places for their patience, care, and compassion during the last three years of his life. Edward was a Freemason at the Masonic Jewel Lodge No. 94 in Pembroke, NH for over 50 years and a Charter Member of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of NH Lodge No. 1789. As a Christian, he attended the United Methodist Church in Suncook, NH and was a devout follower of the Billy Graham Crusades. Edward and Harriet, although mostly homebodies, enjoyed traveling around New England including their annual family destination Christmases, special Thanksgivings on the farm in North Conway, and family get togethers in Berlin (Lake Umbagog) and Dunbarton. Family and friends will always remember him as a kind, decent man and cherish loving memories of him. A graveside funeral service will be held at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH at a later date. Thibault-Neun Funeral Home in Franklin, NH is assisting the family with arrangements. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the NH Veterans Home in Tilton, NH.