Perhaps a few of you, or some of you knew Larry LeBlanc. He was a retired professor at MU after 42 years. And, he has been a close friend of mine ever since I met him in college, long ago. Larry passed away peacefully recently, a few weeks ago.
Larry's wife Mary asked if I would let some others know.
There will be a gathering for Larry at Feerick Funeral Home in Shorewood this Friday afternoon.
This is a little more about Larry from both Marquette, and, from his daughter Liz.
https://today.marquette.edu/2025/08/marquette-university-mourns-the-loss-of-dr-lawrence-larry-leblanc/
https://www.feerickfuneralhome.com/obituary/lawrence-j-leblanc?lud=95E35D05E8CF4BA242DA583718778063
Thanks.
Oh thanks for letting us know about this. He was an absolutely fantastic professor! I once adjusted my entire schedule just so I could take his class in International Law. He really represented everything I enjoyed about the Marquette faculty - a renowned scholar with a passion for teaching.
The first day of class Larry would slowly stroll the room and tell every student that they had an "A" in his class. It was up to them to keep it. Another one was when I asked him why do you only teach Tuesday/Thursday classes? In his deep Cajun voice he would say, "As you know sometimes students skip classes on Fridays. He'd then added, you'd be surprised how many skip Mondays too."
Larry was a true Renaissance Man. He was just as comfortable with season tickets to Marquette Basketball/LSU Football, as he was to the Symphony or Ballet. He liked to travel anywhere, any time, and we did.
But he also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life too. He was a connoisseur of dive Mexican Restaurants. He knew my (then) girlfriend before she was my girlfriend and he'd say, there's something about her, I think she's the one for you. And, she was.
Larry was a champion for International Human Rights, as much as he was for a good block party or festival.
He would and he did drop everything for anyone in need anywhere, anytime. Many times he was supposed to be somewhere and someone would contact him last minute to say they were in town and he'd be late to his own events to support those who needed it. One time in the city (Manhattan), a friend was in town from Africa for a play in Brooklyn. This was last minute. We were already running late elsewhere. No problem. But we found a way to do both. He always found a way.
Whenever I was unsure about something or about my own ability to do something, he always made me sure in quick fashion. Larry was a very inclusive person, who was friends with a wide diverse group of people from many walks of life, all over the globe. Enthusiastic and gregarious, but also a kind, gentle soul. Intellectual scholar, and regular cool dude all at the same time.
Some people knew that we were close. So they would ask me once in a while what he was like when it was just us or when he wasn't holding court as he frequently did so often. He was even better.
Thanks for sharing - loved Dr. LeBlanc!
Loved Dr. LeBlanc. One of the few professors from undergrad I still remember by name
Thanks.
Late 1970s grad and had Dr. LeBlanc for POSC 60. A really enjoyable Professor who brought his class to life. Had him in the fall of 1976 and will never forget his discussions about the Presidential elections and for whom he voted.
His decision and explanation was off-the-chart. Was a really bright person whose knowledge and teaching style did a lot to help me better understand the world.
Very sorry to hear this. I saw him at the dinner a couple years ago celebrating the anniversary of the Poli Sci Department. I related that I never forgot taking one of his classes during Watergate.
Now that I see the name and I found his photo on the Marquette website I'm certain I had him as professor for the two Polysci classes I took. These were my electives as an engineering major since they wouldn't let me take French classes for some reason in the late 80's.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on August 27, 2025, 04:06:03 PMNow that I see the name and I found his photo on the Marquette website I'm certain I had him as professor for the two Polysci classes I took. These were my electives as an engineering major since they wouldn't let me take French classes for some reason in the late 80's.
I just remember enjoying his first class and was glad I found another that fit my schedule in later semesters.