Joseph F. Legnard

Legnard, Joseph F.
BALLSTON LAKE - Joseph Francis Legnard, 77, passed away on April 17, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Born on June 3, 1947, at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy, N.Y., Joseph led a distinguished life marked by dedication to the legal profession and service to the community. Some of Joseph's greatest memories were traveling through Europe during his Holy Cross Junior year abroad via the Orient Express. His passions were playing his tenor saxophone with the Swing Docs, target practice, fix-it projects, scuba diving and boating.
Joseph graduated from Vincentian Institute in 1965, before earning a degree from Holy Cross in 1970. His passion for law led him to Albany Law School, where he graduated in 1973. That same year, he began his career in labor law with Jackson & Lewis in New York City. In 1975, Joseph co-founded the firm Legnard & Miccio, ESQ. to be close to family. In 1977, he joined DiFabio, Tommaney & Legnard, ESQ, where he practiced Trust and Real Estate Law for almost three decades. His commitment to public service was evident when he was appointed Attorney for the IDA, GIPA and Heatly School in the Village of Green Island in 1978. He and his wife, Vera, bought their home in Ballston Lake, where they raised their family of four daughters and have cherished them ever since. In 2004, Joseph transitioned to working full-time for the Village of Green Island, where his contributions were deeply valued. Joseph was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of which he was a dedicated member and past President of the Malta chapter.
Joseph is survived by the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Vera A. Legnard (VanOlinda); and their devoted daughters, Libby Detschelt (Alex) and children, Remi and Luke of Irwin, Pa., Kate Fiorilli (Joe) and children, Ada and Lena of Massapequa, N.Y., Mary Legnard and daughter, Charlie of Altamont, N.Y., and Theresa Legnard of Malta, N.Y. He is also survived by his sisters, Maria Rancourt (René) and Francis Bernard (Andy Perez); as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Francis J. Legnard and Yolanda Legnard (DiFabio).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joseph's family, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N. Allen St., Albany, N.Y. 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only.
Joseph's Funeral Service will be Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in the funeral home.
The Rite of Committal will follow the service in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, N.Y.
Those wishing to make a donation in Joseph's memory are invited to contribute to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, at stjude.org, which was meaningful to Joseph. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the nurses and providers at The Saratoga Community Hospice and St. Peter's Regional ALS Center for their compassionate care and support.
Joseph's legacy of dedication to family and fierce loyalty to his close friends will be remembered by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.
To leave a message for the family or view other helpful services, please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com