Michael Anthony Leblanc

Michael Anthony LeBlanc, age 62, of Tellico Plains, Tennessee and formerly of Atlanta, Georgia, and Waterford, Connecticut, went to be with the Lord on February 19, 2025. Michael leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable stories that will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.

Michael was “born to be wild!” in New London, Connecticut, on August 13, 1962. Growing up in Waterford, Michael was immediately off and running at an early age – from riding his bike, skateboarding, exploring the woods, playing baseball, and going to all of the area’s beaches to skiing, fishing, hunting, and eventually speeding around in his black Camaro and on motorcycles – and somehow finding himself in and out of crazy shenanigans while making many lifelong friends along the way.

Michael proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps for four years, including deployments to Beirut and Grenada during 1983 to 1984. Upon on his Honorable Discharge, he traveled down South to Georgia and Tennessee. Michael built a career as a master craftsman and carpenter, cultivated new friendships, connected with nature in the Great Smokey Mountains, and shared his life with his loyal dogs that he loved so much. While he embraced and remained in the South, Michael was always excited to visit his family and friends back home in Connecticut.

With his big smile, animated personality and talkative nature, Michael easily connected and struck up conversations with everyone he encountered. Underneath his boisterous character was Michael’s sweetness and heart of gold. He was compassionate, generous, and selfless. If someone had a need, Michael was there to fulfill it.

Michael’s passion for riding his Harley reflected his adventurous and free spirit as a “lone rider,” living his life on his own terms and creating his own unique path in the world while also building enduring friendships. Once you met Michael, you never forgot him. He shined with authenticity and had a rare gift for leaving a lasting, memorable, and joyous impact on all who crossed his path. Michael was genuinely one-of-a-kind.

Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Christine LeBlanc. Michael is survived by his sister, Jeanne LeBlanc of Waterford, Connecticut; brother, Timothy LeBlanc of Waterford, Connecticut; and sister Ellen (Mark) Shepard of Griswold, Connecticut. He also leaves behind his nephews Mark Shepard of Groton, Connecticut; Matthew (Ashley) Shepard of Franklin, Massachusetts; and Sean (Kate) Shepard and their three children of Griswold, Connecticut; and his longtime friend Fonda Wakefield of Austell, Georgia.

No formal visitation will be held. The family extends an invitation to attend a Catholic Mass in Michael’s honor at 11.00 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at St. Paul’s Church, 170 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385 followed by a gathering to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project at 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 or online at www.support.woundedproject.org or to K9s for Warriors at K9s For Warriors 114 Camp K9 Rd. Ponte Verda, FL 32081 in Michael’s memory. Myers Funeral Home of Tellico Plains, TN is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the guest registry on our website at www.myersfuneralhometn.com.