Richard “Richie/ Hoss” LeBlanc

Born September 22, 1947, Richie LeBlanc passed away on January 1st after a courageous 3.5-year battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his beloved family and closest friends. Richie embraced life fully, traveling, spending meaningful time with loved ones, and creating priceless memories all while fighting his cancer battle with strength and dignity. He faced his final days as he lived his life, with courage and grace. It’s no mystery why he was nicknamed “Hoss” (from Bonanza).

Richie attended St. Paul the Apostle Elementary School, Cardinal Hayes High School, and Saunders Technical High School. A natural athlete, he also played semi-pro football with the Black Hawks before studying Police Science at Farmingdale State College. In 1969, he began his professional career as a Police Officer with the New York City Police Department, proudly serving the city and quickly rising to become a Detective in the Forensic Crime Unit as a crime scene photographer.

After a distinguished 15-year career in law enforcement (while simultaneously running a donut shop on Hillside Avenue in Queens for about 18 months) Richie fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a restaurant. JR’s Corner on Yonkers Avenue became a local favorite, known for its incredible food and Richie’s warm, welcoming presence. It was a gathering place for public service employees, family, and friends, and its popularity grew because of the personal connections Richie fostered with everyone who walked through the door.

In 1994, Richie transitioned to a new role as a Deputy Marshal for the City of Yonkers. In his trademark style, he told his daughter Jeanette that he renewed his license this past year so his obituary couldn’t say he retired – because he never truly retired from anything, especially from living life zealously. Not only did he renew his license, but he continued working well into 2025.

Richie was also a lifelong butcher, a passion he learned from his father. One of his earliest jobs was in a butcher shop, along with newspaper routes and snow shoveling. He worked at Lombardi’s Butcher Shop on McLean Avenue, where they wanted him full-time, but he refused to quit school. Over the years, he worked in and out of butcher shops, including Manero’s Steakhouse in Connecticut, which he often spoke of fondly. Later, while serving on the police force, he also worked at Devoe Meat Market, owned by his father.

Hunting was always in his heart. Until November of this year, he continued taking trips to Roxbury, NY with a core group of friends. That was Richie’s happy place, nothing made him happier than sitting in his blind, watching the calm of the woods, hoping a deer would pass by. When he wasn’t in the woods, he was checking his cameras and proudly sharing photos of deer, turkeys, and bears he had captured. Richie was ambitious, energetic, and lived life to the fullest. His greatest joy was his children, Jeanette and Daniel, who were at the center of his world. Together, they traveled, hunted, fished, and shared countless trips to Yankee Stadium. His final game was on his birthday this past September, where he proudly sat behind home plate. Watching his children grow into successful adults was his most cherished accomplishment.

For over fifty years, Richie remained close with his childhood friends from Lockwood Avenue. They gathered annually for reunions, hunting trips, wild game dinners, and backyard barbecues on Hoss’s deck. Most importantly, they supported each other through life’s changes, and many stood by Richie in his final days. Their enduring bond was even featured on News 12 during their 50th reunion celebration last May.

Richie touched countless lives, personally and professionally. He was generous, caring, courageous, and a true visionary behind the grill, in the kitchen, and in his work. His passing leaves a profound void in many hearts, but his legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will live on.

Richie is survived by his devoted children, Jeanette LeBlanc and Daniel LeBlanc; his loving siblings: Joyce McPhillips (Michael), Claire Walsh (Brian), Helene Miller (Kevin), Thomas LeBlanc (Brigitte), James LeBlanc (Carmel), Michelle Marello (Lawrence), Linda Tyrrell (Dave), and Janelle Ratsey (Colin). He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Services

Viewing: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Sinatra Memorial Home, 499 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1:45 PM

St. Paul the Apostle Church, McLean Avenue, Yonkers, NY

Interment:  Private

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred, and  may be made to the Manji Research Gift Fund in Richie’s memory: https://www.givenow.columbia.edu/?_sa=24370&_sd=99991#

Dr. Gulam Manji’s research and clinical trial program at NY Presbyterian gave Richie over three precious years following his Stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. We hope to support his efforts to help others.

Please select: Division of Hematology/Oncology – Manji Research Gift Fund