Roland A. LeBlanc

Roland A. LeBlanc, 94, of Gardner, MA died peacefully on October 13, 2023.  Roland was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Gloria R. (Fournier) LeBlanc. Born on March 8, 1929, in Gardner, MA, he was the only child of the late Joseph and Delia (Couture) LeBlanc. Roland lived in his childhood home for his entire life while raising his family, being a landlord to close friends and family and eventually becoming a tenant.

 

Roland was raised and educated in Gardner, MA, a place he loved dearly, and was a graduate of the Gardner High School Class of 1947. A few years after graduation, Roland served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Cascade from 1950-1954. Although his time in the service was brief, Roland kept in touch with his shipmates and enjoyed attending many ship reunions. After serving in the Navy, Roland met Gloria and they married on September 20, 1958, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church (Annunciation Parish) in Gardner where they were lifelong parishioners.

 

While raising his family, Roland worked for many years at the former Hatton Press Company as a press operator until 1967. He then worked at the Gardner Post Office as a letter carrier, faithfully walking his daily route for over 20 years. During these years, he enjoyed taking his family on many vacations, especially to Cape Cod, Hampton Beach, and the White Mountains.  Roland retired from the Post Office in 1990 to enjoy spending time with Gloria, family, and friends.  

 

In retirement, Roland and Gloria loved to travel and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, national parks, and cruised many Caribbean islands. He also looked forward to the Fournier family reunions and spending time with his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Ever the sports enthusiast, Roland followed all Boston sports, especially the Red Sox and Patriots. He could also be found on any given summer evening playing horseshoes or cards with his friends.

 

Roland’s commitment to his faith and community was best demonstrated through volunteer work with Gloria. Together, they served as Eucharistic Ministers and brought Communion to the homebound for many years. They loved attending the annual church Bazaar and generously volunteered their time.  For many years, Roland worked as a volunteer at the church Bingo and assisted as an offertory counter after weekly Masses. He faithfully attended Adoration and served as a coordinator for the perpetual Adoration chapel. 

 

Roland is survived by his four daughters, Cynthia LeBlanc, Donna Belle-Isle and husband Joseph, Catherine Newton and husband Edward, all of Gardner, MA and Pamela Wall and husband Robert of Medfield, MA. He was also the beloved grandfather of Kristen Belle-Isle and husband Will Moreland of Washington, DC, Matthew Belle-Isle and wife Rebecca of Austin, TX, Michael and Amelia Newton of Gardner, MA, and Julia Wall of Medfield, MA. He was the great-grandfather of Parker and Quinn Belle-Isle of Austin, TX. Roland is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.  

 

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from Boucher Funeral Home, 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Interment will immediately follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

 

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Annunciation Parish or Holy Family Academy, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference it in memory of Roland A. LeBlanc.

 

The family would also like to thank the caregivers at Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and the staff from Brookhaven Hospice who lovingly cared for Roland during his illness.