Paul Laclair

Winthrop – Paul R. LaClair, 83, passed away Friday morning peacefully at his home.  Arrangement are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, where visitation will be Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 9:30 am at the Church of the Holy Cross in Hopkinton with Fr. Alfred Fish celebrating.  Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Brasher Falls.

Paul was born on October 12, 1935 in Stockholm, son of the late Noah and Irene (Gooshaw) LaClair.  He went to St. Joseph’s Academy in Brasher Falls then entered the U. S. Army serving from 1953-1956.  On September 22, 1962, he married Kathleen M. Dunn at the Church of the Holy Cross in Hopkinton.  They shared 56 loving years as good partners and friends.  He was a heavy equipment operator for the International Union of Operating Engineers #158.

Paul was a family man with a generous heart.  He was a silent giver to the community with strong values and integrity.  He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus # 2176, a member of the American Legion Post #514, where he served as the Bugler on the Color Guard/Rifle Squad, providing military honors for deceased veterans, a member of I.U.O.E. #158 and a member of the Azure Mountain Hunting Club.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, three children, Michelle and Guy Williams of Ball Ground, GA, Nancy and Michael Fregoe of North Lawrence, Paul J. and Wendy LaClair of Brasher Falls, two sisters, Betty Mooney of Deland, FL and Ruth and Keith Thompson of Potsdam, six grandchildren; Alannah, Brayden, Jessyca, John, AManda and Christopher, four great grandchildren; Bryce, Rilie, Jaya and Jackson, many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by two infant daughters, Janice and Irene, nine siblings, Joyce Normile, Elaine LaMarche, Rita LaRock, Jean Grant, June LaClair (infant), Noah “Buddy” LaClair, Carl LaClair, Keith LaClair and Francis LaClair.

Due to allergies; Flowers are gratefully declined.  Those wishing to honor Paul, please consider donations to the American Heart Association or the Color Guard/Rifle Squad, American Legion Post #514, P. O. Box 128, Winthrop, NY 13697.

Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.hammillfh.com.