Obituary of Frank Joseph LeBlond

Frank Joseph LeBlond IV of Youngstown, NY, entered into eternal life on Monday, January 21, 2013 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Residence after a lengthy illness. He was seventy-one. Frank was born May 30, 1941, the son of the late Frank and Marian (Wagner) LeBlond III. He was the proud great-grandson and namesake of Frank LeBlond, who co-founded the Maid of the Mist Steamship Corporation. From an early age, Frank assisted the chief engineer in the engine rooms of the old wooden boats. He also worked with the crew and delighted in riding with the captains in the wheelhouse. Frank attended Ridley College in St. Catherine's, Ontario and graduated from Lew-Port. He made lifelong studies of ship and train steam engineering and draftsmanship. Challenged from birth by cerebral palsy and grand mal epilepsy, in his youth Frank courageously and independently crossed the Atlantic via ship. By train he explored the shipyards of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany and Belgium. In the United States he visited the shipyards and coastland of San Francisco, learning ever more about his beloved sea vessels and their world. Frank studied American History, especially of the Civil War. He prided himself on being the family historian and would often entertain friends with stories of his ancestors and adventures of the Maid of the Mist. Frank was talented as a cook and took great pleasure in planning holiday meals. In his workshop, he was skilled in designing and crafting wind toys and detailed ship models. He liked to skeet shoot and to sail and was a member of the 3FClub and Youngstown Yacht Club, he gardened and played the French horn. Frank was a devout and well-read practitioner of his Catholic faith. He was a member of St. Bernard's parish and also often assisted as usher at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. He took special interest in Catholic Charities. His gentle nature spoke in a booming voice. Frank is survived by his brother Laurence (Rosemary) of Youngstown and his cheerful doxie "Fletcher", who all miss him dearly. Friends may call at Hardison Funeral Home at North Fourth and Ridge Streets in Lewiston on Sunday from two to four in the afternoon and seven to nine in the evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ten o'clock on Monday, January 28, at St. Bernard's RC Church at Hinman and Second Streets in Youngstown. Reverend Richard Delzingaro CRSP will officiate. Burial is at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.