Oscar "Zoo" Leclair

Oscar "Zoo" LeClair Plattsburgh, N.Y. - Oscar "Zoo" LeClair, 80, of Tom Miller Road and recently of Meadowbrook Rehab Center passed away peacefully on Friday morning, August 3, 2012 at CVPH with his family by his side. Oscar was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y. on April 30, 1932, the son of Albert and Rose (Vaillancourt) LeClair. He was a 1950 graduate of Mount Assumption Institute where he excelled in football and baseball while setting many athletic records. He joined the U.S. Army on September 19, 1952 and was stationed in Fort Dix, N.J. through September 18, 1954. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Plattsburgh to marry his childhood friend and high school sweetheart Theresa Bezio. They were married on October 28, 1954 and have been together for almost 58 years. Oscar began his career at Fitzpatrick and Howell as an appliance repairman and in 1963 he started LeClairs' Appliance Service. He was very active in local sport competitions and community activities. While his children attended St. Peter's School, Oscar was a member of the school board for several years. He was also a lifetime member of the MAI Booster Club and a member of the football chain-gang when his sons played football. For many years he played in the men's softball league and won many league titles. He was also an avid tennis player and was the Plattsburgh City Champion in the 1950's. He could always be found on the sidelines cheering on his children and later his grandchildren at sporting events. After retiring from his own business in 1999, Oscar delivered Meals on Wheels to the homebound. Since his accident in March 2008 from a fall on the ice, during which he suffered a severe spinal cord injury he remained an inspiration to both family and friends. Despite his injuries he remained actively involved with his coffee buddies, Marty and Josie Beauharnois, Jim Csipak, Andy and Helen Brault, Ed Cole, Gary Macey, and Big Bill, who helped transport him to and from their daily get-togethers. He is survived by his wife, Theresa (Bezio) LeClair of Plattsburgh, his five children and their families, Michelle (Timothy) Glynn, their daughter Mary, Michael LeClair and his son Parker, all of Plattsburgh; Renee (Craig) Stevens of Saranac Lake and her children Mike (Nupoor) Gordon of Brooklyn, N.Y., Christopher Gordon, Jeffrey and Kate Stevens of Saranac Lake; Denise LeClair and her sons Samuel and Brandon LeClair of Goshen, C.T.; and Stephen (Jennifer) LeClair and their children Tyler and Samantha of St. Charles, M.O.; and his loyal pet Kitty. He is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Rose LeClair, his siblings Edward, Victor and Anna LeClair. Calling hours are Monday, August 6, 2012 at Brown Funeral Home from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh at 10am. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Donations in Oscar's memory may be made to Seton Catholic Central or American Diabetes Association, C/O Brown Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-3980 Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.