Marcel Leclaire, Sr.
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Marcel H. S. Leclaire Sr. passed away on April 25, 2022, after a period of declining health.
Marcel was born September 2, 1933, in Burlington, VT. He was the son of Antonio and Diana (Dionne) Leclaire. He moved to Brattleboro with his parents and siblings in the 1940s, and attended St. Michael School. In 1951, Marcel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and was stationed in Morocco as a French interpreter, and later at Quantico, VA. On May 7, 1955, he married Dorothy Fuller of Winchester, VA, and was blessed with five children.
In 1960, he joined the Brattleboro Police Department, and served for 25 years, eventually being promoted to Chief of Police. During his years as a policeman, he resumed his education, receiving a degree in Criminal Justice from Champlain College. He also attended the FBI Academy, Babson Management School, and numerous law enforcement courses. Following his retirement from the police, he was employed by Green Mountain Security and Wackenhut Security as a trainer at Vermont Yankee for ten years, retiring in 1994.
Although he was an expert marksman, he was proud that he never had to use his firearm in the line of duty. He recognized that most people just needed to be heard, and was able to diffuse many tense situations with conversation. He was recognized on several occasions for his investigative skills and outstanding service, including commendations for two deeds in particular: helping deliver a baby, and plunging into the icy waters of the Connecticut River in a vain attempt to save the life of a drowning woman.
In 1996, Marcel and Dorothy moved to Zephyrhills, FL, and in July 2021, they returned to Vermont, residing at Vernon Hall in Vernon.
Marcel was predeceased by his siblings, Annette Marchant, Yvette Brouillard, Gertrude Raymond, Jeanine Smith, Angeline Rabideau, Anita Doucette Stacy, Mary Martha Castine, Irene Pollica Kirkwood, Joseph Henry, Normand, Richard Andrew, Rene, and Leo Paul, and one son, Marcel II.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, one sister, Jeanne Lyons, and 4 children, Deborah Tillinghast (Ken), Edward (Sheri), Brian (Roxann), and Monica Davison (Scott), nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He loved to sing and dance, and his kind and compassionate demeanor will be greatly missed.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 14, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Fr. Henry Furman, Pastor, celebrant. Committal rites and burial with military honors will follow in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery.
To share a memory or send condolences to the family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Brigid's Kitchen, c/o St. Michael's Parish, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301.