Laurent J. "Larry" LeClaire, 83, formerly of 95 Elm Street, died on Monday, January 1, 2007, in St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 59 years, Margaret C. (Brady) LeClaire; his sister, Marjorie E. McArdle of Millbury; and many nephews and nieces; grandnephews and grandnieces. He was predeceased by 3 sisters: Theresa A. Vigeant of Oregon, Rita LeClaire of Millbury, and Glenora M. Cawthorne of New Baltimore, VA. He was born in Sutton on February 28, 1923, son of the late Joseph O. and Eva Marie (Vincent) LeClaire, and he lived here for most of his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in Northern France, the Ardennes and the Rhineland as a member of the 22nd Hospital Train. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

Larry was a machine operator for 13 years at Okinite Wire & Cable Co., Worcester, before he retired in 1985. Prior to that, he worked for the Felters Co., Millbury, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Harrington Richardson Firearms Co., Worcester, and Whitin Machine Works, Whitinsville. He was a member of St. Brigid Catholic Parish and a Life Member of Charles F. Minney Post #3329, Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he served as Post Commander (1962-64).

Larry's funeral will be Thursday, January 4th, from Turgeon Funeral Home, 56 Main St., with a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Brigid Catholic Church, 59 Main St. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Wednesday, January 3rd, from 6 to PM. Members of Charles F. Minney V.F.W. Post will assemble at 8 PM at the funeral home to honor their fallen comrade.