Harry E. LaClair

Mr. Harry E. LaClair, Jr. of Waterbury, CT, passed away on Wednesday 25 Aug 2021 at the age of 83.

Harry was born to parents Harry E. LaClair, Sr. and Hazel Martin LaClair on May 16, 1938 in Burlington, VT. Harry grew up as the middle child and the only son of five children. On Feb 2, 1961 in New Haven, CT, Harry married his sweetheart, Martha E. LaClair.

Harry never strayed very far from his birthplace, eventually settling in Waterbury, CT. I would be remiss not to mention that Harry and his beautiful wife Martha raised 4 children; sons Harry E. LaClair, III of San Angelo, TX, Jeffery J. LaClair of Waterbury, CT, Randy J LaClair of San Antonio, TX and daughter Jacqueline E. Pearo of Enosburg Falls, VT.

Harry is survived by his sister, Barbara Bruning of Burlington, VT, his wife Martha E. LaClair, 4 children, Son-in-Law, Maynard G Pearo, five granddaughters, many nieces, and dozens of cousins throughout Vermont and North Carolina and many friends worldwide. Harry is preceded in death by his sisters, Linda LaRose, Veronica Fontaine, Colleen Parizo and his parents, Harry E. and Hazel M. LaClair

Harry was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who drew his last breath August 25, 2021, mainly, we suspect, to prevent himself from having to watch the Patriots or Yankees anymore on TV. A loyal Black and Gold Steelers fan, and die hard Red Sox fan he passed away suddenly, kinda like the Steelers football game the past several years but still a true and loyal fan.

Harry was a simple, pragmatic Vermonter, well read and articulate, lived a simple life and loved telling jokes. A traveler by nature, Harry traveled extensively throughout the United Sates as a young man as well as visiting Germany and Panama in support of his children who were serving in the Armed Forces. A talented mechanic, skilled tradesman, Master of Ceremonies, guitarist, fiddler, squeezebox player and singer of the best cover of the Auctioneer song a person would ever hear played, jokester, jack of all trades, as wise as the old man on top of the mountain, kind and gentle with a heart of gold, but a man of great strength, determination and resolve to protect his family, friends and beliefs. A life long Teamster of Local 443. Harry was awarded the Million Mile Trucking award, a feat rarely achieved by truck drivers and spent over 40 years over the road to provide for his family.

Harry's view from his own words..."I'm the last of my kind.!! just a good ole boy picking and grinning and a few wines..have a good time until the man calls..." and his favorite saying pretty much summed it all up "Don't teach pigs to sing as it annoys the pigs and it wastes your time"...

Harry never wanted a formal memorial service or viewing instead he wanted something a bit different,  but since his family refuses to honor his request to have him sitting in the corner of the room with a glass of White Zinfandel in his hand clutching his guitar so that he would appear natural to all that knew him it seemed only right to have a celebration of his life with  wonderful music and stories only told by those closest to him, oh by the way, I am almost certain upon hearing the news of Harry’s passing that stocks in White Zinfandel fell steeply and I’m sure the company must be devastated by his loss…

He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important - the simplicity of living a life with those you love.

Per my fathers wishes we will not be performing a memorial service or viewing. My father always wanted his to life to be celebrated not mourned by his family and friends. So we are currently planning a Celebration of Life get together with music and a place to pay respects. We welcome all to attend and tell us your fondest stories, gather, play and listen to music and know that Harry may no longer be here but he is always with us.

In lieu of flowers, please do something nice for someone else.

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