Obituary: Leo Richard LeBlanc, 85

Obituary courtesy of the Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels

Leo Richard LeBlanc, of Waltham, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon June 3rd, 2016 in the Newton-Wellesley Hospital at the age of 85.

Born on January 14, 1931 in Waltham; son of the late Rene LeBlanc and Ozelie (Leger) LeBlanc. In 1933, due to the tough economic times and the depression, Leo’s family returned to Canada to find work and raise the family.

At the young age of 12, Leo learned how to drive a tractor trailer. As a young man it was always his dream to own and operate a gas station. After various jobs throughout his young adult life; through hard work and determination Leo returned to the United States in 1956 and finally achieved his dream of owning and operating a gas station. He opened “Ellison Park Mobil Gas Station” on Main Street in Waltham for several years. To continue to support and raise his family, Leo worked part-time at City Service Gas Station in Waltham, and operated several small businesses including a Heating & Oil business and Insulation business.

While operating the gas station, Leo bought and sold cars as a secondhand dealer. Through the years after acquiring Colvin’s Gas Station on Prospect Street, Leo expanded the business through the years and began to sell and rent aerial equipment trucks. Today the company is run by Leo’s son who followed in his footsteps to build one of the most successful aerial equipment companies in the area.

Leo’s greatest joy in life came from his sons; he was so very proud of all their accomplishments in life. His family and friends were so much a part of his life.

He enjoyed going camping and traveling in his coach Bus named “Stallion” and R.V.’s. For many years Leo has resided for several months of the year at an R.V. Resort in Polk City, Florida. He had a passion for collecting antique cars and hot rods.

Leo was recognized on several occasions for his many charitable contributions to local & civic organizations.     

He is survived by his loving sons Richard LeBlanc of Waltham and Robert LeBlanc and his fiance' Rita Lane  of Waltham, his devoted companion and partner of 22 years Lauraine and her family, his dear siblings Dolan LeBlanc and his wife Doris of Bathurst, New Brunswick and Carmel Ahern and her husband Richard of Ashland. 

In addition he is survived many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and close friends.

Loving father of the late Michael LeBlanc and brother of the late Raymond LeBlanc and Jeannette LeBlanc.

Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend Funeral Services from the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, Waltham on Friday morning June 10th at 9:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Leo’s Life in Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham. Visiting Hours will be held in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial on Thursday June 9th from 3 – 7 p.m.Parking attendants will be on duty.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Leo’s memory to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN.