Sylvio G. LeBlanc

Sylvio G. LeBlanc, 102, of Manchester, died January 22, 2022 at home after a brief period of declining health.

He was born in Manchester on February 28, 1919 to Leo and Seraphine (Biron) LeBlanc. Syl graduated from West High as a member of the class of 1937 and later served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester.

He began working in hardware after high school, and went on to establish LeBlanc's Hardware, which he ran for over 50 years. He frequently worked at the hardware store throughout his retirement and into his nineties. All told, he was in the hardware business for over 80 years.

Syl was a physically active person throughout his life, partaking in gymnastics and other athletic pursuits. This lifelong passion for fitness persisted past his 100th birthday, where he could be seen on his daily bike rides in his winter residence in Sarasota, FL. His insistence on being active and self-reliant pervaded all aspects of his life, and no doubt contributed to his longevity.

Sylvio's main focus, however, was always his family. He delighted in his time spent with them and was an exemplary husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an exceptionally positive person with a tireless work ethic. He led a simple and unselfish life, dedicated to his family, work, friends and community. He was also an avid cribbage player and enjoyed playing with his many friends. He seldom lost.

He was predeceased by his wife of 76 years, Lucille M. (Gregoire) LeBlanc in 2016 and four siblings.

He is survived by five children, Paul LeBlanc and his wife, Maxine, of Fayetteville, AR, Norman LeBlanc and his wife, Deborah, of Plymouth, Philip LeBlanc and his wife, Irene, of Manchester, Lucie Collins and her husband, David, of Bow and Vivian Grenier and her husband, Bill, of Manchester; 12 grandchildren, Christine, Michelle, Michael, Dan, Sarah, Nathaniel, Steve, Cathy, Greg, Kelly, Melissa and Karen; 17 great grandchildren, Andrew, Camille, Eva, Josephine, Marie, Rafael, Benjamin, Luca, Ada, Lucie, Owen, Zachary, Paige, Hank, June, Jack and Elsie; a sister, Pauline Biggerstaff of Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (1/27) at 10 a.m. at Parish of the Transfiguration, 305 Kelley St., Manchester. Please wear a mask. The burial is private. Although the family will be very grateful to those who attend, they will not be greeting guests after the Mass so as to avoid close social contact. They will plan a future gathering to celebrate Sylvio's life at a later date.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements.