Leon J, LaChance of Seaford passed away on Feb. 6, 2026. He was born in Aberdeen, Washington, on Oct. 22, 1939, to Joseph and Fae LaChance. At six weeks old, Mr. LaChance became the youngest individual to travel by air from Washington to Fernandina Beach, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting from the University of Florida in 1961 and subsequently devoted his career to the poultry industry until his retirement.
In addition to his dedication to agriculture, Leon was a devoted supporter of the Gators and served three years on the Maryland Agriculture Commission under William Donald Schaefer. He held leadership positions, including president of the Delmarva Poultry Industry, and was honored with their Distinguished Citizen Award in 1993. His commitment to community extended further, serving on the DPI Board of Directors, as a financial advisor, on the Grower Health Insurance Committee, and on the Executive Board of the Delmarva Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Leon enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, was a 50-year member of the American Philatelic Society, and acted as Treasurer for the Dover Stamp Club.
Mr. LaChance was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Fae LaChance, and his sister, Mary Ellen Bryan. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy; his daughters, Babette (and her husband Mark) and Toni (and her husband Mike); his grandchildren, Nicholas, Mila, and Miles; his great-grandson, Leander; and his beloved hound dogs, General and Sampson. He also leaves many other family members and friends who will greatly miss him.
Memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army, 415 Oak Street. Salisbury, MD 21804, or the University of Florida, IFAS Advancement, PO Box 110170, Gainesville, FL 32611.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD. Friends may begin gathering at 1 p.m.