In Loving Memory

Paul M. Vanderburgh
"Pinky"

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In memory of Paul Vanderburgh
Email to: tribute@usma1982b4.com

February 17, 2025

Paul passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, after a long battle with a terminal neurodegenerative disease. He was 64. He is succeeded by his loving wife of 37 years, Patty; their children and spouses, Ellen (John) and Joe (Kate); and grandchildren, Jack, Luke, and Margot. There will be a celebration of Paul’s life on Saturday, May 31 at 5:00 p.m. at Dayton Country Club in Dayton, Ohio, where all his family, friends, and his extended brotherhood from West Point’s B4 Buffaloes can gather to honor his memory.

Paul’s life was marked by service, scholarship, and an unwavering commitment to the people and institutions he loved. A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1982. Paul served his country with distinction, attaining the rank of Captain during his nine years in the U.S. Army. His dedication to excellence extended beyond the military when he earned a Doctorate degree from Columbia University, setting the stage for a prestigious academic career.

At the University of Dayton, Paul became a renowned leader in exercise physiology research, contributing valuable insights through numerous publications, presentations, and grants. His passion for education and mentorship led him to a broader leadership role, where he served as Associate Provost of Graduate Academic Affairs. His impact on the university community was profound, and in 2018, he was honored with the Lackner Award, the university’s highest honor, for his significant contributions to the Catholic and Marianist character of the institution over 20 years.

Paul will be remembered as a dedicated leader, scholar, and friend. His warmth, wisdom, and steadfast devotion to his family, students, and colleagues leave an enduring legacy. His fellow B4 Buffaloes will forever cherish the bonds of brotherhood they shared with him, and his impact at the University of Dayton will continue to inspire generations to come.

Rest in peace, Paul. Your strength, kindness, and commitment to service will never be forgotten.

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Thomas G. LeBlanc
"Tommy"

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In memory of Thomas G. LeBlanc
Email to: tribute@usma1982b4.com

February 23, 1992

Thomas Guy LeBlanc was born on November 30, 1960, and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. He was the only son of Claude B. and Rita (Blum) LeBlanc. Tom gained fame in his hometown through his talent for hockey. He earned recognition at Peabody High School and caught the eye of a hockey recruiter from West Point. Tom decided West Point should be his next challenge and subsequently earned a congressional appointment.

Tom came to West Point and was assigned to 7th Company for Beast Barracks. His classmates remember his unmistakable Bostonian accent ringing through the halls throughout that long summer. It seemed he was required to recite Plebe knowledge more often than other Plebes in the hope he would lose his accent. While at West Point, Tom continued his fame in hockey by breaking most of the Academy scoring records as a defenseman.

Always a solid student, Tom displayed an uncanny ability to distinguish important data from academic filler. Never one to waste his time on the frivolous, Tom consistently outperformed his more diligent, if not more astute, classmates. On weekends, he and few buddies would escape with their "secret" motorcycles for trips as far as way as Swanny's cabin up in Maine, where Tommy became famous for winning the season fishing competition with a few casts.

Tom graduated from West Point as an Air Defense Artillery Officer and was assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas. At Fort Bliss, Tom met his wife Margaret. In 1983, he left Fort Bliss for his first assignment in Augsburg, Germany, with the 32d Air Defense Artillery Command.

In Germany, Tommy played hockey at night for a semi-pro team where he would collect Deutsche Mark bonuses almost every game for his "wicked" slap shot goals. He carried his guitar with him on most trips and could often be seen playing songs under a tree, playing songs with a couple of beers nearby.

Margaret and Tom were married in Germany in 1983.Their son Bryan was born in Germany in 1984. In 1985, Tom was diagnosed as having a malignant brain tumor and underwent surgery in Germany. He and his family then moved to Fort Bliss, where Tom received further medical care. He was medically retired from the Army in 1986.

In 1986, Tom, Margaret, and Bryan moved to Peabody, Massachusetts. Tom assisted his father in the family business. He loved to deal with the public, and he developed a business acumen that earned frequent praise from his customers.

Tom was a dedicated husband and father. Bryan followed in his father’s footsteps, learning to skate and play hockey as soon as he could walk. Tom taught Bryan to skate on the same lake where his father had taught him to skate as a young boy.

In February 1992, Tom had a major seizure related to his previous medical condition. He was hospitalized and passed away shortly thereafter, on 23 February 1992. With Tom’s passing, his family, the town of Peabody, and West Point felt the tremendous loss of a man whose life was truly just beginning. Tom is survived by wife Margaret and son Bryan of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude LeBlanc of Peabody, Massachusetts; and sisters Denise Hoffman and Danielle Pingree of Georgetown, Massachusetts.