Published 4/8/02

KEENE — Clifford J. (Joe) LeClair, 47, passed away at his home on Saturday, April 6.

He was born, one of six children, on Feb. 13, 1955, in Speculator. He is the son of Clifford A. LeClair and Meta R. James.

Joe and his wife, Marcella (Marcy) were wed on April 10, 1976, at St. Brendan’s Church in Keene. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2001.

He attended Keene Central School and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1973-1977.

During his tenure as a 30 year member of the Keene Fire Department, he served as an officer and commissioner.

He was a member of the 1978 USA Bobsled team, competing at the World Championships in Lake Placid.

Joe’s career was dedicated to 22 years of managing Highlands Farm. He was devoted to the production of maple syrup and hay.

Remembered for his kindness to others, quick-wit and love of the outdoors, he spent each autumn with close friends at a hunting camp in the Adirondack Mountains. During the year he also spent time at the AuSable Lakes.

Joe was a member of the American Legion Post 504 in AuSable Forks.

He is survived by his wife, Marcella A. Vagnarelli of Keene, and two sons, Jacob F. of Ithaca and James C. of Keene. He is also survived by his mother, Meta R. James of Keene; one brother, Michael of Keene; three sisters, Helen of Mississippi, Wanda of Florida, and Beth of Keene Valley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His father; one brother, Earl of Keene; a newborn son, Joseph; and a close friend, Robert F. Gardner of Keene, predeceased him.

Services will be held Tuesday, April 9, at 2 p.m. at St. Brendan’s Church in Keen with the Rev. Alan J. Lamica officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Keene Fire Department or High Peaks Hospice.

W.M. Marvins Sons Funeral Home in Elizabethtown is in charge of arrangements.