Ret. Lt. CDR Leo Eugene Labrecque (U.S. Navy Reserve), age 81 of Sanford, NC died on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford.

He was born on April 5, 1930 in Lawrence, Mass. to the late Joseph Louis Labrecque and Eva Goudreault Labrecque. He was a veteran of his country and served with over 38 years of service to his country with the United States Navy Reserve. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA; received his Bachelor of Science in Textile Chemistry from Lowell Textile Institute; and then went on to receive his Masters Degree of Science in Textile Chemistry from Clemson University. He retired as the Technical Director at Sanford Finishing where he worked for over 17 years.

He is survived by his wife, Sheron Pyrant Gherlone-Labrecque; a daughter, Tracy Gherlone Handlon of Rocky Mount, NC; a son, David Gherlone and wife Georgia Lee of Bahrain, Middle East. Three grandchildren: Marie, Tiffany, and Elizabeth; and great-granddaughter, Eiraleena. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Aime William Labrecque, Rene Arthur Labrecque and a sister, Yvette Labrecque.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Miller-Boles Funeral Home Chapel in Sanford with Msgr. Steven Worsley and Rev. Chris Humphreys officiating. Burial will follow at Grace Christian Church Cemetery in Sanford.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 13, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Miller-Boles Funeral Home in Sanford.

Online condolences may be made at www.millerboles.com

Miller-Boles Funeral Home of Sanford is serving the family.