Obituary of Frank LeBlanc

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank LeBlanc, who passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by his family that he fiercely loved, protected, and on more than one occasion, mercilessly pranked.

Born in 1946, Frank lived a life marked by service, strength, and an unwavering devotion to the people he cared for and his country. 
He served with honor in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968, both in the elite 82nd Airborne Division and in Special Operations with MACV-SOG. 
From 1964 to 1970, Frank’s military career included time as a Staff Sargeant at the Pentagon, where he worked directly with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
He rarely talked about his time overseas, but when he did, the stories were equal parts impressive, outrageous, and hilarious. They often left you wondering how he made it out alive, and whether he’d had a horseshoe tucked somewhere the sun doesn’t shine.

Frank was a man who showed his love in hearty servings. He believed in feeding people, whether it was grilled, smoked, sautéed, or stewed. If you left his house hungry, that was your own fault. But one thing was for certain, you weren't sober. Nothing brought him more joy than gathering his family together, throwing loud, laughter-filled parties, and slipping in a prank or two when no one was looking (and sometimes when everyone was). He had a way of making people feel at home and maybe just a little on guard.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia LeBlanc (Morales), who stood by his side through every chapter of life. He leaves behind his 3 children: Michelle LeBlanc and her husband Andrew Clark, Frank LeBlanc, Kerri Champa (LeBlanc) and her husband John Champa; his grandchildren Dylan Bettencourt and his fiance Christie Baglio, Ava LeBlanc; and his great-grandson Ryder Bettencourt. His sisters, Sarah Haught of Wilmington and Mary Karimi of Maryland, as well as many nieces and nephews. Each of them, and the family as a whole, also carry on his legacy of strength, stubbornness, and sarcastic comebacks. 
He is preceded in death by his brother John Doherty of Melrose, who is, no doubt giving him grief about being late and filling him in on their next legendary stunt.

Frank was the kind of man you only meet once. He was generous, loyal, protective, hilarious, and maddening in equal measure, he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at his home with friends and family at a later date to be determined; where stories, laughter, and probably some grilled meat will be shared in his honor. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you raise a glass, share a good meal, and maybe play a harmless prank in his memory. 
Donations in Frank’s memory may also be made to the Department of Veteran Services, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to service and his fellow veterans.