Ernest "Al" LeClair

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL. – MSGT. Ernest Alfred LeClair, 83, formerly of Rochester, NH, passed away due to complications of COVID-19 on September 2, 2021.

Born October 23, 1937, Al was the son of Almond LeClair and Rose Fortin. He grew up in Rochester and attended Spaulding High School.

After attending schooling, Al later served 23 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a MSGT. Serving two tours in Vietnam, his photography work during his deployment was often recognized and earned him several prestigious awards. After retiring and returning to Rochester, NH, Al worked for Goulet Supply and later retired from the Strafford County Jail as a correctional officer.

Throughout his life, Al was known as a hard worker and tinker of sorts, often working on cars and motorcycles, rebuilding and restoring them. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, lover of all music and motorcycle enthusiast. He always enjoyed riding his motorcycle out of state for a hot dog or a good cup of coffee with his fellow motorcycle friends. Al enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, Jeannine prior to her death. At one point in his life, Al was an active member of the Rochester Runners Club competing in several road races.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Jeannine (Vezina) LeClair; daughter, Maureen LeClair and his brother and sister.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Kathleen (LeClair) Mayo and her partner, Charles Fox; granddaughter, Keri (Mayo) Devine and husband, Joseph; great grandsons, Nathan, Jacob and Lucas Devine and several nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 25th from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. in the Petit-Roan Funeral Home, 167 Main St. in Pembroke.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Allenstown.  To celebrate Al, please wear jeans and your favorite t-shirt. Weather permitting, feel free to ride your motorcycle in his memory.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.petitroan.com

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