1914 – 2003

OLD ORCHARD BEACH – Gerald R. Leblanc, 89, passed on to eternal life surrounded by his loving family at home in Old Orchard Beach on June 30.

Born on June 15, 1914, he was the son of Edmond and Lydia Levesque Leblanc. He attended local schools and graduated from Lewiston High in 1933.

As a young man his passion was hockey. He was the goaltender for the Cyclone Hockey Club for many years. While with the club he had the opportunity to play in Madison Square Garden in New York City, as well as in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Later he worked as a clerk for Louis’ men store in downtown Lewiston before joining Faucher & Paradis as a junior partner.

During World War II he served as a purser aboard an oil tanker sailing to North Africa and to Southern Europe. After the war he founded Leblanc’s, a men’s and boys clothing store located on Lisbon Street in Lewiston, where he became very successful in the business which thrived for 30 years.

Always an enthusiastic retailer, he took great pride in taking care of his customer’s needs. He served on various community projects and supported local charities. He was always there when someone came calling for a special cause.

After his retirement he worked part-time for Langevin’s Men’s Shop in Biddeford. His greatest joy in life was travel. He loved Old Orchard Beach where the family summer home was located and every winter for 55 years he traveled to his home in Dania, Fla. However, he enjoyed ocean liner travel best, particularly The French Line.

He and his wife Annette often sailed to Europe where they visited his war time friend the Baron Michael Petiet.

He is survived by daughters, Louise of Allston, Mass., Rachel and her husband Robert Shurtleff of Old Orchard Beach; sons, Vincent and his wife Patricia of Methuen, Mass., and Albert of Northwood, N.H.; a brother, Vincent JP Leblanc; and a sister, Constance Myrand; two sisters-in-law, Aurore Vincent and Candid Leblanc; six grandchildren, Louis, Steven and Peter Leblanc, Maxwell and Nicole Leblanc and Rachel Ahrens of Dania, Fla.; four great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 55 years, the quiet and gentle Annette Vincent Leblanc; two brothers, Ralph and Dennis; as well as a sister, Martha.

Private interment services will be held at a later date.

Copy the Story Link