Gerald L. "Jerry" LeClair

Gerald L. 'Jerry' LeClair Fitchburg, telephone co. retiree, Navy vet; 66 FITCHBURG Gerald L. "Jerry" LeClair, 66, of Fitchburg, MA, died peacefully Saturday morning, August 23, 2008, in his home with his wife, Pat at his side. He was born in Gardner, MA, on July 27, 1942, the son of Norman and Kathleen (Donahue) and lived in Gardner for many years. He attended school there and was a graduate Gardner High School class of 1960. He enlisted in the Navy after the Korean War and served on the USS Lake Champlain. While in the Navy, it was his ship that had picked up the first astronaut Alan Shepard after his historic flight into space. He was honorably discharged in 1963 with a rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. Jerry had worked for New England Telephone now Verizon for 38 years as a supervisor, retiring in June of 2002. He along with his wife, Pat moved to Fitchburg in 2001. He was a member of The Telephone Pioneer's. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and wife, Pat. Together they liked to travel, and visit many of the area coffee shops. He enjoyed gardening and wood working, and was a fan of the Boston Bruins and Red Sox. He was a member of The Madonna of the Holy Rosary Church in Fitchburg. He leaves his wife of 19 years, Patricia A.( Hawkins) LeClair of Fitchburg, MA; his son, Philip LeClair and his wife, Donna of Colchester Vermont; his step-son, Keith Pfeifle and his wife, Sherry of Wilmington, N.C.; a daughter, Karen Christman and her husband, Lou of Santa Barbara, California; one brother, Daniel LeClair of Wayland; three sisters, Nancy Iacono of League City, Texas, Jean DeMeo and Susan Rousseau, both of Gardner, MA; his grandchildren, Camden, Autumn, Kelsey, Logan, Violet, and Dominic. He was predeceased by his brother, William LeClair who was killed in 1969 while serving in the Vietnam War. LeCLAIR A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 10 a.m. in The Madonna of the Holy Rosary, 118 Theresa St., Fitchburg, with Inurnment to follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Burbank Cancer Center/ Oncology Dept., 275 Nichols Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420 or to Catholic Charities, 196 Mechanic St., Leominster, MA 01453. The Lavery Chartrand & Alario Funeral Home, 99 Summer St., Fitchburg is directing the funeral arrangements.