George Arthur LeBlanc

ARDNER - George Arthur LeBlanc, 88, of 27 Birch Street, Gardner, died on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at the Wachusett Manor Nursing Home in Gardner. He was born in Central Falls, Rhode Island, on September 6, 1923, the son of Oliva and Arzelia (Stebenne) LeBlanc. George was raised and educated in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He was a proud World War II veteran serving in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1946. While in the military, Mr. LeBlanc received the following decorations: Asiatic-Pacific (7 stars), European-African-Middle Eastern (1 star), Philippine Liberation (2 stars), American Theater, Victory Medal and the Commendation Ribbon. He witnessed the flag raising on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945 and was thrilled to visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. days before the official opening. He has resided in Gardner since 1952 and worked for the former Arthur Meunier Company and the former First National Store for many years. Mr. LeBlanc and his wife, Edna, were amongst the founding members of the local square dance club, Two Hearts As One. He was very creative and enjoyed woodworking. Over the years he made his grandchildren many wooden toys, doll houses and furnishings. He was a consummate cribbage player who enjoyed teaching many people how to play. He enjoyed blueberry picking with his family. George was a wonderful husband, Dad and Grandpa. He leaves his wife of sixty-four years, Edna M. (Roach) LeBlanc; four daughters, Karen R. Heavey and Thomas of Aberdeen, MD, Judith "Judy" A. Wallace and Bruce of Ashburnham, Laureen M. Peabody and David of Gardner, Christine "Chris" M. Wallace and Ronald of Marlborough, NH; eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son, David G. LeBlanc, in January of 2007; by his brother, Harvey LeBlanc, and by his sister, Gloria Lamoureux. A service will be held Monday, December 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to a charity of one's choice. $(document).ready(function(){ });