Obituary of Larry LeBlanc

Robert H. “Larry” “Grumpy” LeBlanc

Larry passed away peacefully in Hospice after a short illness on October 27, 2023 at the age of 95.

He was born in Lewiston, ME in May, 1928 the seventh of eight children of Marie-Louise (Gervais,) and Francis LeBlanc, He outlived them all. He spent most of his adult life in Newington, CT and retired to Venice, FL. Larry was either greatly loved, or merely tolerated for his gregarious nature and ribbing of others. A little grumpy at times, but a great friend. A great party planner and organizer. Long time life insurance salesman for Metropolitan Life, then self-employed for several years until his retirement.

He had a lifelong passion for all things tennis. Top recreational player, local tournament organizer, and USTA official. He officiated all over New England and at U.S. Tennis Opens at both Forest Hills and Flushing Meadow for many years. Too many tennis friends throughout the years to name. Umpire Emeritus of New England Lawn Tennis Association. A Newington tennis court has a plaque in his honor. He was the founding member of the Newington Tennis Association, and was the creator and host of the New England Public Parks Tournament held in Newington for many years. He was a longtime member of Courtside Tennis Club in Venice.

He and his wife of 63 years, Janet, made their home and raised their two children in Newington. They relocated to their retirement home in Venice in 2004. He was a communicant at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Venice.

He served in the Maine State Guard and the United States Air Force.

Besides his wife, Larry leaves his daughter Lisa (Mark) Lillis of South Windsor, CT and a son Adam (Joanne) LeBlanc of Murrells Inlet, SC., his grandchildren Andrew and Michael Lillis, and his much-loved cat CeCe.

The celebration of his life will be held at Farley Funeral Home, 265 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice on Friday November 3rd, 2023 at 10:00am. All friends and family are welcome. The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers to either the Junior Scholarship Fund of Courtside Tennis Club, 512 North Auburn Road, Venice, Florida 34292 or South County Food Pantry, C/O Flanzer Trust, 1266 First Street, Suite 1 Sarasota, FL 34236.