Frank E. LeGere

Frank E. LeGere, 83, died peacefully June 5 in the Rotterdam home in which he was born, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 17, 1928, in Schenectady, Frank was one of 13 children of the late Margaret and Charles LeGere. He is survived by Milada "Mickey" Kozak, his wife since August 9, 1952, with whom he shared a lifelong romance. A 1945 graduate of Draper High School in Rotterdam, Frank served his country as an Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, then received his teaching degree in 1952 from Manhattan College. After several years of classroom teaching, Frank accepted a position as a physical education teacher, retiring in 1983 from the Niskayuna School District. His influence as an educator left a lasting impression on two generations of students. The summer months also kept Frank busy at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs. He was originally a volunteer, then house manager of The Little Theatre, and finally house manager of the main amphitheatre. With Mickey's help, Frank was instrumental in developing the Hudson-Mohawk chapter for the National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Foundation, and also promoted awareness of SIDS on the national level for more than 30 years. A devout Catholic, he was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church in the Albany Diocese, including decades with Immaculate Conception Church in Schenectady. A devoted and loving father, Frank is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Theresa (Jackson) and John Pizzello of Delanson; son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Kristilee (Gardner) of West Valley City, Utah; son, Timothy of Ballston Spa; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and John Newton of Durham, NC; son, Vincent of Schenectady; son, Paul of Ballston Spa; son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Alicia (Dorr) of Schenectady, and son, Martin of Magna, Utah. Frank also is survived by nine grandchildren, and his brothers, Don, Jimmy, and Eddie. Mr. LeGere was preceded in death by his infant child, Monica; seven brothers and two sisters; and a son-in-law, Rick. Frank's loving kindness and generosity made a positive impact on anyone with whom he came in contact. He had a pure spirit, a gentle heart, and an absolute faith in God. He was well loved and will be dearly missed. A memorial Mass takes place June 15, 2011, at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph's Parish, 600 State St. (at Lafayette St.), Schenectady. It was Frank's choice to donate his body to the Albany Medical Center so that he could continue to give even after he was gone. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation in memory of Frank LeGere to Raleigh Dance Theatre, P.O. Box 33691, Raleigh, NC 27636. Please write Frank and Mickey LeGere Costume Fund on the memo line. You may also make a donation to a charitable organization of your choice. Online condolences at www.bondfuneralhome.com