The family of Jean-Paul LeBlanc of Dieppe, and formerly of Moncton, wish to announce his passing which occurred on Sunday, November 28 at his residence, at the age of 98. Born in College Bridge, NB, he was the son of the late Edgar T. of Fox Creek and Anna (Landry) LeBlanc of College Bridge.
Jean-Paul led a full and accomplished life having first followed his father in the family business, Moncton Plumbing and Supply, succeeding him as President in 1963. While active in business and in many civic and community organizations, he also served alternately as Alderman, Councilor-at-large and Deputy Mayor of Moncton between 1959-62, and 1967-70, when he entered provincial politics. Between 1970-74, Jean-Paul served as Minister of Municipal Affairs, Tourism and Treasury Board Chairman in the first government of former Premier Richard Hatfield. In 1974, he joined the Government of New Brunswick, serving as Chairman of the NB Civil Service Commission until his retirement in 1988.
A proud WW2 veteran, Jean-Paul recalled in detail his service overseas as a radar operator in the Royal Canadian Navy, aboard the HMS Rivière-du-Loup and Rimouski, part of a flotilla of corvettes commissioned to escort merchant marine ships supplying the war effort on both sides of the North Atlantic. Following his discharge, he studied engineering at St. F-X University. It was during his time at Antigonish that he met his love and life mate, Isabel MacLellan, while on a blind date. They married in 1948 and settled in Moncton to raise their large family.
Jean-Paul is survived by his children: Anne-Marie (late Gerald) Arsenault of Dieppe, Pauline (late Marc) Thériault of Rothesay, Donald (Monique) of Fredericton, and Mark (Janice Goguen) of Moncton; his sisters: Sister Germaine LeBlanc ndsc, Euclida (late Gerard) Bourque of Moncton, Jeannine (Don) O’Hearn of Halifax, NS, Josette (late Dr. Joe) Levesque of Charlo, and Huberte (late Vic) Boissonnault of Church Point, NS; his brothers: Jules (Marguerite) of Moncton and Guy of Ottawa, ON; 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and over 50 nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife and mother of his children, Isabel MacLellan (1977); his wife and companion in later life, Placidie (Robichaud) Kelly (2015); his children: Claire (1981), Owen (2000), Bernice (2008), and Claude (2017); brothers: Gerard (2015), Raymond (2017), and René (2017); sisters: Jacqueline (Jack) Sullivan (2020) and Zilla (Georges) Charlebois (2021).
The LeBlanc family would like to acknowledge his personal caregivers, Martine, Trina and Linda, for their kindness in looking after his physical and emotional needs for the last 18 months, allowing him to end his days in the comfort of his home. They are angels without wings.
The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Center, 88 Church Street, Moncton (858-1900) where the funeral service will be celebrated on Friday December 3 at 4 pm. Visiting hours are Friday from 2 pm until time of funeral. The veterans will hold a service of remembrance at the funeral centre on Friday at 3:55 pm. Face covering is mandatory, and proof of vaccination and government issued identification card are required to enter the funeral centre. The funeral service will be streamed live; to view the funeral, go to his obituary on our Website. Interment will be at Our Lady of Calvary cemetery in Dieppe. In memory of Jean-Paul, a contribution to Moncton Boys’ and Girls’ Club or to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com