Edward J. LeClair

Edward J. LeClair formerly of Westminster, WWII vet; 88 MASON, N. H. Edward Joseph LeClair, 88, of Mason, N.H., and formerly of Westminster, died Friday, August 22, 2008, at the Leominster Hospital, after a long illness. Edward was the husband of the late Margaret (Waddell) LeClair who died in 1982. He is survived by his son, Ralph LeClair of Mason, N. H.; and daughter, Judy (LeClair) Landry of West Concord, MA; five grandchildren, Matthew LeClair, Mark LeClair both of Mason, N. H., Jeremy Landry of Boston, Melissa (Landry) Morin of Westminster, and Douglas Landry of Boston; four great-grandchildren, Arthur LeClair, Vernon LeClair, George LeClair and Eleanor Morin; one niece, Janet Lauricella of Westminster, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also predeceased by his brother, Ronald A. LeClair who died four years ago. Edward was born in Templeton, on February 1, 1920, a son of the late George and Eva (Roy) LeClair. He was a graduate of Gardner High School the class of 1938, and was a longtime Westminster resident. Edward also played semi-pro football for the Gardner Merchants. Edward was the first to volunteer for military service from Westminster after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the 308 Squadron of the 31st Fighter Group US Army Air Corp as a Staff Sergeant and Crew Chief for the Spitfires and the P51 Mustang Fighters. He served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in support of combat operations. After the war, he was employed as a saw fitter and quality control specialist for Simons Saw and Steel Co, in Fitchburg for 37 years, until his retirement. During his retirement, he enjoyed the outdoor activities of camping, sailing, fishing, and spending countless hours with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. LeCLAIR Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Woodside Cemetery, 9 Narrows Rd., Westminster, MA 01473 with Military Honors. Calling Hours will be in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, (www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net), 123 Main St., Westminster, MA 01473, on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter 320 Norwood Park South, Norwood, MA 02062 or thru their website @ www.als-ma.org