Joseph W LeBlanc

Joseph W. LeBlanc, 88, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Westbrook on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. He was born in Westbrook on March 6, 1926, the 10th child of Raymond and Clara (Fortier) LeBlanc . He was only 7 when his father Raymond died from pneumonia. He loved working with his hands, either by building, repairing or creating. Joe was skilled in the electrical, plumbing, woodwork, carpentry, and mechanical trades; a jack-of-all-trades. He rebuilt the engine on his first car and built his lakefront cottage in Windham. He loved all kinds of music, whether it was opera, country, or ballads and had a beautiful singing voice. He often sang at family parties with his brother Rene accompanying him on electric guitar. He was an accomplished harmonica player and would often harmonize with his brother Rene on guitar. He enjoyed drawing and sketching and had a good eye for design. He loved reading about any subject and would read several books a week. Joe loved to laugh, either at a good joke, a funny story or a dirty trick. He made friends easily an d anyone who had the good fortune to meet him went away a better person for knowing him. Joe enlisted in the US Coast Guard in 1943 and trained as a shipâ€™s cook. Nicknamed â€œCookieâ€, he was stationed in the Philippine Islands on the Coast Guard Cutter CG 83410. As a World War II veteran, he served his country proudly and often remarked on how much the people he served with, especially his â€œSkipperâ€, meant to him. He enjoyed boxing while in the Coast Guard and once met and received training from Jack Dempsey. After the war Joe tried to buy a pack of gum at Woolworthâ€™s in Westbrook and met the love of his life Lorraine Richard. After a long courtship they married on September 17, 1955 and spent 57 wonderful years together. He was devoted to his wife and family and always took vacations with them, traveling to Canada, Washington DC, Florida, and New England. He loved the outdoors and spent summer vacations in New England campgrounds with his family. He was happiest sitting by a campfire surrounded by his loved ones telling stories. He worked at the mills in Westbrook, first at the Dana Warp Textile Mill and then for the S D Warren Paper Co. He retired early and he & Lorraine spent many winters in Florida after building a second home in Bokeelia. Joe loved the hot temperatures and high humidity. He was blessed to have a special second family in Florida of Elida, Peggy, & many friends. He was predeceased by his wife Lorraine in 2012. He is survived by a son, Robert and partner John Gabriel Chasse of Westbrook; three daughters, Denise & husband Gary Francoeur of NH; Louise & husband Brian Thibeault of Brunswick; Tina LeBlanc & wife Denise Tanguay of Windham; a grandson, Andre Davis and wife Candace, and four great-grandchildren, numerous nephews; nieces; and friends. Interment with military honors will be at 11 a.m., on Saturday, October 11, in St. Hyacinth Cemetery, Westbrook. On line condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

Joseph W LeBlanc

March 6, 1926 - October 7, 2014

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