L. Richard 'Dick' LeClair

Waltham - Mr. L. Richard ‘Dick’ LeClair of Mattapoisett and Naples, Florida, formerly of Waltham, died on January 29, 2011 of heart failure while engaged in a courageous battle against lung cancer at Kindred Hospital in Waltham. He was 73.

He was the beloved husband of M. Donna (FitzGerald) LeClair with whom he would have celebrated fifty years of marriage on June 17, 2011. He was the devoted father of Maura L. Connolly and her husband, Tom of W. Bridgewater, Julie M. Dale and her husband, Chad, of Hingham, L. Richard LeClair and his wife, Jackie of Waltham, Patrick J. LeClair and his wife, Kathleen of Mattapoisett, and Kate M. Dwyer and her husband, Kevin, of Waltham. He was ‘Pa Dick to’ Jack and Charlie LeClair, Colin, Aidan, and Ciara Dale, James and Cormac LeClair, and Nieve Connolly. He was the brother of the late Shirley A. Luchini and is survived by his brother-in-law Peter Luchini. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dick was a 1955 graduate of St. Sebastian’s High School and a 1959 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross. After graduating from New England School of Law, he had a successful law practice in Waltham for over forty years. Dick loved his hometown of Waltham and thoroughly enjoyed living and working there for most of his life. Throughout his life, Dick cherished the relationships he had with friends and family. The family will be forever grateful for the devotion shown by his many friends from Waltham, Holy Cross, Mattapoisett and Naples Heritage. Dick had a passion for golf and nothing made him happier than playing a round with his friends, sons, or grandsons who tolerated his many “Mulligans.” He was also fiercely proud of the academic, athletic, and career achievements of his beloved children and grandchildren. To be surrounded by friends and family was his greatest joy.

The family would also like to recognize and thank the many nurses and doctors who took care of Dick during his last few months. In particular, we are grateful for the nurses in the MICU on Blake 7 at Mass General Hospital including Fred, Stephanie, Tom, and Jen as well as Sarah, Corey, Hassan, and Tom on Bigelow 11 at MGH. Dick was fortunate to be under the care of Dr. Alice Shaw at Mass General Hospital and the family is thankful for the kindness shown by Dr. Dave Ryan.

Family and friends will honor and remember Dick’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte.20), Waltham on Friday, February 4th, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to Thoracic Malignancy Center, MGH Development, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.