Norman Roger LeBlanc

Norman R. LeBlanc, of Norwood, MA, formerly of Walpole, Millis, and Chatham, passed away on December 26, 2025, after spending the Christmas holidays with his family and following a long battle with lung disease. Norm was a devoted husband to his wife of 58 years, Barbara, and a loving, attentive father and grandfather to his daughters, sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He enjoyed a successful 60-year career as a Certified Public Accountant and previously served both in the United States Army and in several leadership roles at Bentley University, including as President of the Bentley University National Alumni Association, roles in which he took great pride. Through unwavering work ethic, integrity, intelligence and warmth, Norm rose from humble circumstances to lead a life of deep accomplishment in service to others.

Born in Nashua and raised in the West End of Manchester, New Hampshire, Norm was the oldest of four siblings in a large extended French-Canadian family. Early in life, Norm applied himself at school and excelled in academics, becoming the first in his family to graduate from high school in 1957. Norm then attended Bentley College, where he had received a scholarship; his years at Bentley were defining years of his life.

At Bentley, Norm solidified his passion for business and accounting, at which he excelled. He graduated in 1961 with an associate’s degree in accounting, and upon graduation joined Vance, Cronin & Stephenson in Boston as an associate. From 1962–1968, Norm proudly served on active duty and then in the United States Army Reserves. Norm passed the CPA exam with distinction in 1964, and was later elected to partnership at Vance, Cronin in 1968. Norm was a highly sought-after advisor who developed enduring relationships with clients, many of whom he counselled for over 50 years and befriended. His work ethic was legendary as was his ability to patiently mentor younger accountants. After practicing as a CPA for more than 60 years, Norm officially retired at the age of 82, although he continued to counsel former clients until his passing.

Norm’s gratitude to Bentley College motivated him to give back to the Bentley community. He served as President of the Norfolk Chapter of the Bentley University Alumni Association, as Reunion Class Officer and Reunion Chairman for a period of 15 years, and as a director and in various officer positions on the National Alumni Executive Board from 1983–1989. Norm then served as President of the National Alumni Association from 1989–1990, a role he relished. Norm also served as Charter Member of the Bentley Falcon Club and as director of the Downtown Boston Chapter of the Alumni Association.

While a student at Bentley, Norm met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Camille, who was then a student at the Boston College School of Nursing. Norm and Barbara were married in 1967 and raised their daughters, Marianne (LeBlanc Cummings) and Amy (LeBlanc Hackett), in Walpole.

Norm also lived a life of quiet and humble faith. He and Barbara enrolled their daughters in Blessed Sacrament School in Walpole and then Ursuline Academy in Dedham. At Blessed Sacrament, Norm served for many years on the Finance Committee for the parish and as chairman of various fundraising activities. He became well known in that community for calling Tuesday night Bingo at the parish hall. When not attending Sunday Mass at Blessed Sacrament, Norm would drop into the Arch Street Chapel in Boston for a lunchtime Mass, or a business breakfast prayer group.

Above all, Norm was devoted to his family, whom he loved dearly and for whom he served as a rock, a compass and a beacon of love. More than anything he enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Chatham. Norm was keenly engaged in the academic and career trajectories of his daughters, and later his grandchildren, always providing encouragement and helpful advice. He was immensely proud that his daughters both earned advanced degrees.

Elected as the “class clown” of his high school class, Norm was also an incessant jokester. He was known for his “Papa-isms” by his grandchildren and fostered in his family a deep love of gathering to play games. He would play any game, any time, and for as long as you were willing, and especially loved cribbage and any strategic board game. While he usually won any game he played, he was widely acknowledged as a gracious winner. As his grandchildren all knew, he always played to win but “loved to lose.” Norm was also passionate about sports (particularly the Red Sox), fishing, and travel and he was a voracious reader. Perhaps most of all, Norm will be remembered for his contagious smile and the gentle warmth he extended to all who knew him.

In more recent years, Norm’s life revolved around caring for Barbara, even as his own health was failing. In time, Barbara also tenderly cared for Norm, often guiding his wheelchair when he was unable to walk - a beautiful reflection of their mutual devotion. In the last year of Norm’s life, he and Barbara were blessed to have joined the Benchmark Senior Living community in Norwood, living among friends whom he came to call his brothers and sisters. Nicknamed “The Mayor” at Benchmark, Norm reinvigorated thrice-weekly epic bridge games and also brought his lifelong passion for cribbage to Benchmark.

Norm’s survivors include his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Marianne, and her husband John Cummings; his daughter, Amy, and her husband John Hackett; his grandchildren, Camille, Jack, and Conor Cummings, and Kyle and Paige Hackett; his brother, Richard LeBlanc, and his wife, Lucille; his sister, Susan Petroff, and her husband, Merlin Petroff; his sister, Diane Lavalliere; as well as his nieces, nephews, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Normand E. LeBlanc, and his mother, Janet (LeBlanc) Soucy.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High Street, Westwood, MA, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:30am – 11:15am. Following the Visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Margaret Mary Church at 11:30am. The Funeral Mass may be viewed via livestream at https://sjawestwood.org/church-livestream Interment at New Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norman’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org or by mail to 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.