A member of the Greatest Generation, Leo served his country honorably and nobly during World War II in the U. S. Navy as an S2c aboard the USS Olmsted in the South Pacific Theater. Upon his return, he worked as a weaver in textile mills until he opened his painting contracting company, painting many triple-deckers in greater Woonsocket.
He was a communicant and parish trustee of the former St. Ann's Church. When the church closed, he was among the volunteers that transformed it into the St. Ann's Arts and Cultural Center.
Leo was a member of the former AMVETS Favreau-Bedford Post 12. He also served as an officer in several clubs in Woonsocket, including Club Par-X, Club Aram Pothier of Richelieu USA, and Council 2 of Union St Jean Baptiste, all in seeking to keep the French language and French-Canadian culture alive. A few of his children and grandchildren carry on the tradition of speaking French and enjoying the culture’s food and music.
Leo was an avid sportsman who hunted, fished, and owned horses. He coached his sons in the Woonsocket Youth Hockey League. During his retirement he was able to travel and went to his grand-daughter's college graduation also fulfilling a lifelong dream to attend the Grand Ole Opry. He also traveled to New Orleans to visit the National World War II Museum where he was recognized for his military service. He made regular trips to visit his cousins in Quebec and once to Saskatchewan.
He is survived by his children, Diane Encarnation (Charles) of North Smithfield, Yolande Riendeau (Heidi Gervais) of Providence, Jean A. Riendeau (Ann) of South Kingstown, Gerard Riendeau (Elizabeth) of Columbus, OH, and son-in-law John Boucher of Manville. He also leaves seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris (St. Jean) Riendeau, daughter Denise Boucher, parents Jean Baptiste Riendeau and Marie Louise (Beaulieu) Riendeau, brother Normand Riendeau and sister Lillianne Houle.
He was a communicant and parish trustee of the former St. Ann's Church. When the church closed, he was among the volunteers that transformed it into the St. Ann's Arts and Cultural Center.
Leo was a member of the former AMVETS Favreau-Bedford Post 12. He also served as an officer in several clubs in Woonsocket, including Club Par-X, Club Aram Pothier of Richelieu USA, and Council 2 of Union St Jean Baptiste, all in seeking to keep the French language and French-Canadian culture alive. A few of his children and grandchildren carry on the tradition of speaking French and enjoying the culture’s food and music.
Leo was an avid sportsman who hunted, fished, and owned horses. He coached his sons in the Woonsocket Youth Hockey League. During his retirement he was able to travel and went to his grand-daughter's college graduation also fulfilling a lifelong dream to attend the Grand Ole Opry. He also traveled to New Orleans to visit the National World War II Museum where he was recognized for his military service. He made regular trips to visit his cousins in Quebec and once to Saskatchewan.
He is survived by his children, Diane Encarnation (Charles) of North Smithfield, Yolande Riendeau (Heidi Gervais) of Providence, Jean A. Riendeau (Ann) of South Kingstown, Gerard Riendeau (Elizabeth) of Columbus, OH, and son-in-law John Boucher of Manville. He also leaves seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris (St. Jean) Riendeau, daughter Denise Boucher, parents Jean Baptiste Riendeau and Marie Louise (Beaulieu) Riendeau, brother Normand Riendeau and sister Lillianne Houle.