He was born in Troy, NH, on February, 24, 1934, to Emile and Cecile (Fortier) Legere. He attended St Joseph’s Regional School and Keene High School where he was a member of the Class of 1953. After High School he enlisted in the United States Army, where he honorably served for 2 years.
He married Nancy A. Roberts on July 7, 1956 in a ceremony at St. Bernard Catholic Church.
Mr. Legere was a highly regarded businessman and local developer. He left his mark in the development of everything from local subdivisions, public housing such as Rolling Hills Village and Sunrise Village, Applewood, Cleveland Place and many others throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, individual homes, construction companies, the building homes for the people of the Chilean Government through Catholic Charities, the development of land and commercial landmarks such as The Colony Mill Marketplace, Black Brook Park and the Emile J Legere Management Co. He was one of the central founders of the Keene Property Owners Association.
He enjoyed golf, flying and sailing. Mostly, was deeply interested in his community, the people his endeavors touched, and St. Joseph’s School, where he was a strong supporter and benefactor of its programs and the enrichment of the students. He loved Cheshire County.
Mr. Legere was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Law Degree from St. Anselm’s College on May 14, 1978.
He was a lifelong member and communicant at St Bernard Catholic Church. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Post 819.
Mr. Legere is survived by his wife of 57 years: Nancy Legere of Spofford and Vero Beach; his son: Stephen Legere and his wife Kathryn of East Swanzey; his daughter: Lisa Legere-Reese and her husband Jeff of Richmond and Swanzey; five grandchildren: Brandon Bedaw, Elizabeth Legere, James O’Reilly, Jenelle Legere and Caleb Legere; his sister: Beatrice Murphy and her husband Robert of Clearwater, FL.; three sisters in law: Violeta Leger, Margaret Legere and Irene Balcom; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his four brothers: Ernest Leger, Raymond Legere, Wilfred Legere, Arthur Leger; and a sister Doris Cota.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 10:00 am at St Bernard Catholic Church; burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Keene. There are no public calling hours.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Emile J. Legere’s name, to: St. Joseph Regional School, 92 Wilson St, Keene, NH 03431 or to the Preservation of Spofford Lake, c/o Spofford Lake Association, PO Box 177, Spofford, NH 03462.
Fletcher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com) 33 Marlboro St, Keene, has been entrusted with the local
arrangements.
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