William E. Lemire

WINCHENDON – William E. Lemire, 81, of 94 Ipswich Drive, Winchendon died peacefully Thursday morning, February 27th in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, with his family by his side.

A lifelong resident of Winchendon, Bill was born on January 7, 1933, the son of the late Hector J. and Dorilla E. (Ricard) Lemire.

Bill was a self-employed contractor in the Winchendon area for many years.  During the Korean War, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army.  Bill received the National Defense Service Medal.  He was a member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion and Lt. Frederick Wilder White Post 2158 VFW.  A sports fanatic, Bill was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins.  Bill enjoyed woodworking, taking vacations in York Beach, ME and spending time with his children and grandchildren, whom he adored.  Bill was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

His wife of 51 years, Joan P. (Piche) Lemire, died in 2003.  He leaves three sons, Douglas R. Lemire, James W. Lemire and his wife Jenny of Colbrook, NH and Thomas C. Lemire and his wife Jill of Winchendon; two daughters, Cathy-Anne Lemire and her husband Robert Gordon of Jaffrey and JoAnne Vautour and her husband Claude of Gardner; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Albert Lemire, Richard Lemire, Charles Lemire, Rita Crabtree and Mary Gandy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 7th at 10 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.  There are no calling hours.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1030 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38104.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com

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