Roy Michel LeBlanc Sr.'s Obituary
Roy Michel LeBlanc, Sr., age 90, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024 at The Windsor Senior Living Community in Mandeville. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Roy graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School, class of 1952, then joined the US Navy as a proud enlisted seaman. Stationed at Midway, Quigant and Okinawa, he served as a radio operator and communications officer on a Martin P5M patrol seaplane. Roy's P5M crisscrossed the Pacific and dangerous South China Sea tracking hostile Chinese, Russian and North Korean vessels.
With an honorable discharge in hand and generous GI Bill benefits, Roy successfully completed the electrician training program at Delgado Community College, finishing first in his class. He then joined the IBEW Local 130 as an eager young apprentice. Shortly before his passing, he was recognized by Local 130 honoring his 70th year as a union member in good standing.
Roy married the love of his life, Sylvia Mae Van Osdell, in 1960. Their strong 56 year marriage produced three loving children; Judith LeBlanc Achary (Michael), Roy Michel LeBlanc, Jr. (Karen) and Eric Matthew LeBlanc (Norma).
He is also an adoring grandfather to Andrew Achary (Dana), Philip Achary, Lindsay Achary Babineaux (Paul), Katherine LeBlanc Fish (Jebb), Roy Alexander LeBlanc, Victoria LeBlanc, Isabella LeBlanc, Karen Nishimoto (Ben), Katherine Murillo and Joshua Murillo. Roy is a great grandfather to Thomas Achary, William Achary, Rory Babineaux, Grady Fish, Lauren Fish, Morgan Fish, Gavin Nadeau, Amelia Nishimoto and Bear Nishimoto.
Roy is preceded in death by his wife Sylvia Mae Van Osdell LeBlanc, his parents Joseph Desilia LeBlanc and Cecile Michel LeBlanc and his brother, Joseph Jerry LeBlanc. Roy is survived by his sister, Linda All (John), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Roy loved classical music, vintage automobiles, WWII fighter aircraft and always carried a pocket knife. He committed to memory details of the P51 Mustang's Packard built supercharged 12-cylinder engine and hand built to scale a wooden Lockheed P-38 Lightning model. Roy enjoyed commemorative air shows as much as he loved restoring his cherished 1959 Ford Galaxie 500 Retractable Hardtop. He rebuilt delicate switches, diodes and relays until he had the complex disappearing top operating perfectly. While working, Roy enjoyed listening to Raven's Bolero and Aaron Copeland's Fanfare for the Common Man. Classical music was by far his favorite, but he also loved Don McLean's American Pie and often sang it out loud! Recently, Judith found his old Don McLean CD and played American Pie for him. Although in Hospice care, Roy's eyes opened and a broad familiar smile spread across his face. He was at peace.
Roy lived at The Windsor for two years and befriended both residents and staff. He embraced everything The Windsor offered and cherished his time there. He was loved by all, as his smile, sense of humor, patience and dance skills were infectious.
The family would like to give special thanks to St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Interim Hospice, Nini's caregivers, and The Windsor for loving support.
Donations can be made in Roy's memory to The Windsor Senior Living Community, 1770 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, LA 70471, 985-624-8040.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 312 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, LA, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow in Garden of Memories, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. LeBlanc’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Roy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roy?
Share a story where Roy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roy you’ll never forget.
How did Roy make you smile?
