Joseph LeBlanc,

Joseph Albert ?Joe? LeBlanc Jr., 79, died at 5:40 p.m. Aug. 14, 2009, at St. Rita?s Medical Center, Lima. He was born Sept. 22, 1929, in Newburyport, Mass., to Joseph Albert Sr. and Rosa Vallee LeBlanc, who preceded him in death. On July 18, 1959, in Arlington, Va., he married Ruth Marie LeBlanc, who survives in Elida. Mr. LeBlanc was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Arie 370, Lima. He enjoyed camping with his family. He was retired from the U.S. Navy, CT1/NSA and West Ohio Gas Co. as a manager. He survived an 18-year battle with cancer. Survivors also include two sons, Jeffery A. LeBlanc, of Elida, and Timothy J. (Tracy) LeBlanc, of Lexington, Ky.; a daughter, Cynthia LeBlanc, of Elida; and three grandchildren, Timothy LeBlanc II, Corey LeBlanc and Jared LeBlanc. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jeanne Marie Tepper. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Lima. The Rev. J. Norbert Howe will officiate. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery, Lima, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. A wake service will begin at 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita?s Hospice, 959 W. North St., Lima OH 45805. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.