Armand J. Le Blanc

Armand J. Le Blanc, 79, of Manchester, passed away on September 4, 2011, at the Elliot Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born in Fitchburg, MA on September 14, 1931, the eldest son of Abel and Eleonore (Theriault) Le Blanc and had lived in Bedford for over fifty years before moving to Manchester twenty years ago. He was a Korean War Navy Veteran who achieved the rank of Electrician's Mate 1 on the Battleship New Jersey, as well as other ships.

Following his service in the Navy, he worked for Lennox Industries in Syracuse, NY. He was summoned home to assist his father during the development years of A.J. Le Blanc Heating, Inc. He occupied many roles in the company during his 64 years of employment. In 1969, he became president and second-generation owner of the family business. In 1976, he earned a Master Electrician license, which he held until his death.

Since 1970, he was very active in the Bedford Lions Club. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award acknowledging his dedicated humanitarian services. He was a member of the UNH Family Business Association. This year he earned recognition for being employed in a family business for over 50 years. He was a parishioner of St. Catherine Church.

Family members include his wife of 54 years, Madaline (Girard) Le Blanc; two daughters, Dr. Nancy Le Blanc–Savoie and her husband Richard of Manchester, and Joy Le Blanc of Manchester; three grandchildren, Bryan, Nicholas, and Michael; and nephews, nieces and cousins. His two younger brothers, Ernest and Roland, who were similarly second-generation owners of Le Blanc Heating, predeceased him.

As a thoughtful and generous man, Armand held integrity to its highest regard. He was extremely proud of his own, and other's accomplishments. He was industrious throughout his life and expected others to uphold his high standards. Armand was known to be very witty and exhibited a frequent dry sense of humor. He took great pride in the welfare of his grandsons, sacrificing himself for theirs, and his daughter's well-being. He was an avid vegetable gardener who watchfully eyed the growth of his bounty. He was also known for his delicious popcorn, which he frequently shared at family gatherings. Armand's favorite vacation location was Ogunquit, Maine, where he was often observed enjoying an ocean view.

Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 11:00 in St. Catherine Church. Committal services with military honors will take place on Wednesday September 14th in St Jean the Baptist Cemetery, Suncook at a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Bedford Lions Club, PO Box 11083, Bedford, NH 03110. For more information or to view an on-line Tribute, go to www.phaneuf.net