Babson "Babo" "Bj" "Santa" Leblanc

Babson “Babo”, “BJ”, “Santa” LeBlanc, 72- a retired banker then contractor and a lifelong resident of Marrero, LA., entered into eternal rest on March 5, 2021. He was a devout Catholic and a devoted and loving husband to Judy Becnel LeBlanc- his forever cheerleader for 48 years. He was the loving father and hero of his children- Heather LeBlanc Souvinette, Heidi LeBlanc (Dale) and Joshua LeBlanc (Ashley). He had 6 wonderful grandchildren which he adored. Ashley Souvinette, Kayla Scheffler, Alyssa Souvinette, Henry LeBlanc, Haven Tinsley, and Eloise LeBlanc. He was an only child and is proceeded in death by his parents Hanley J. LeBlanc and Alice Arceneaux LeBlanc. He was the son in law of the late O’Neil Joseph Becnel, Sr. and Rita Barrilleaux Becnel. He was the loving brother in law of David Becnel (Darlene), Karen Becnel (Keith), Barbara Becnel Ingram (Robert) and O’Neil Joseph Becnel, Jr. (Debbie). He is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. BJ was a fun-loving man who literally never met a stranger. He and Judy treasured their friends “The Sweet Sixteen”, and they enjoyed many bottles of wine with them and traveling the world making unforgettable memories. He was a graduate of Archbishop Shaw High School in 1966 and was the Past President of Shaw’s Alumni Association and he was still an active member in the association. In 2012 Babo was honored as Alumnus of the Year for 2011/2012 for Archbishop Shaw High School. He was currently the Director of Facilities for the Gretna Historic Complex, and was a Charter Member of Patsy’s Posse. Babo and Judy enjoyed their Saturday morning breakfast dates at Common Grounds, loved attending da Rockits concerts wherever they played and going to dinner. He was a family man and thoroughly enjoyed having his children and grandchildren around him. He loved telling Boudreaux jokes and making people laugh. Many people will remember him as a man of many faces. Judy often didn’t know who she would wake up to each morning. Some of his favorite faces included a Hippie, Leprechaun, Warlock, Uncle Sam, and everyone’s favorite, what he will be mostly be remembered for, “Santa”. When he put that suit on, he transformed into that role immediately, no matter what was going on. He lit the Christmas Tree on Canal Street for many years, played Papa Noel at the Ritz Carlton and Santa Claus at the Bourbon Orleans along with many other hotels and venues. His face graces the walls with pictures of him and children cherishing their moments with Santa. Kids across the globe knew him as “The Real Santa” and if you ever met him you would agree. He will always be our favorite Santa and his legacy will live on. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at East Jefferson General Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion they showed during this difficult time as well as everyone who reached out to the family for their support and kind words. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to: Ms. Patsy’s Child of God Memorial Foundation 640 Olive Street, Harvey, LA 70058. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church 610 6th St., Gretna, LA 70053. Visitation will be March 15, 2021 from 6:00pm-9:00pm and March 16, 2021 from 8:00am to 10:00am with a Funeral Mass following. Interment will be held at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery 1225 Whitney Ave, Gretna. LA 70056. Respectful of current guidelines, all attendees must wear their own mask/face covering and practice distancing. Mothe Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time. Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, stories and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com .