Danvers, Desire J. LeBlanc, age 87 of Danvers, died Friday, February 13, 2009 at the NSMC / Salem Hospital following a long illness. He was the husband of Lillian M. (Levesque) LeBlanc, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in New Brunswick, Canada and raised in Salem, he attended LaSallette Seminary. Des was the son of the late John and Beatrice (Melanson) LeBlanc. He worked as a machinist for GTE Sylvania for 41 years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club. Desi, as he was also known, was a man very devoted to his church. He was an active member of the former St. Joseph Parish of Salem, serving in many capacities, including one of the founders of the parish Bingo along with his brother Albert, the Holy Name Society and the St. Joseph Alumni Bowling League. He was also a past officer of the former Klondike Club and a former member of the Knights of Columbus.
Desi’s greatest love was his family, his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and while he loved to travel with them, his favorite time was Sundays, at home with his family. Sundays at home became a family tradition.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Beatrice L. Devereux-Rogers and her husband William Rogers of Lynn, a son, George F. LeBlanc of Danvers, 2 brothers, Oliver LeBlanc of Peabody and Albert LeBlanc of Salem, 2 sisters, Theresa Morin of Salem and Doris Dionne of Bradford. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Michelle Doolin of Lynn, Mark Cormier of Reading, Karen Dealy of Westford, Scott LeBlanc of Middleton, Michael LeBlanc of Arizona. He is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 3 brothers, Thaddeus, Victor and Emile LeBlanc and a sister Hermeline Arsenault.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, February 19, 2009, at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem followed by his funeral mass in St. James Church, Federal St., Salem at 10 am. Visiting hours: Wednesday 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, In honor of Allison Dealy, great-granddaughter, Brookline, MA 02445-7226. For additional information and guestbook, please visit www.levesquefunerals.com