LEWISTON — Gerard M. Legare, 93, of Lewiston, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 5. He passed away at his home while knowing he was loved by his family.

He was born in Auburn in 1918, the son of Charles and Eva Legare. Gerry attended Holy Family School and Lewiston High School. While working through high school at Frangedakis Candy Kitchen and Restaurant, Gerry met Julia “Judy” LeClair and they married in 1942. Together they raised five children. He cherished his time with his family and many relatives. He was a devoted husband for 63 years, a loving dad, and a respected role model to many. His children thank God for his long and self-sacrificing life. Gerry and Judy will both be dearly remembered.

During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. He was stationed in Florida, in Illinois, and later with other radar technicians in England. He was assigned to the 401st Bomb Group (B-17) as a staff sergeant and was in charge of the 614th Radar Shop. He served at the Deenethorpe Base, north of London. He became a lifetime member of the American Legion soon after his discharge from the service.

For about five years in the 1950s, he served on the credit committee of what is now the Maine Family Federal Credit Union. Gerard was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus, 106, for 20 years.

But Gerry found his niche as a plumbing and heating salesman and engineer for 52 years at Hall & Knight Co. in Lewiston. He worked 22 of those years at the same workplace as his father, and retired at age 80. He was a member of the Association of Heating and Ventilation Engineers (ASRAH).

Gerry was a member of Holy Family (currently Prince of Peace) Parish since 1950. He and his beloved wife tried to lead their children in the spirit of love for God and for others. They lived for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, hoping to give them a good example to follow in life. He and his beloved wife, Judy, lived by the Bible principle, “True greatness is measured by how we serve others.” He was a generous, humble, and gracious man. His motto was “Live and Let Live.” Though they resided in Maine most of their lives, Gerry and Judy traveled extensively, often visiting their children in other states, and the couple also made trips overseas.

Gerry and Judy offered an array of rich culture within their family and extended family through singing 1940s songs with piano accompaniment, listening to classical composers, traveling to Montreal to visit family, and attending theater productions.

Baking was a favorite pastime, and Gerry was known fondly as the Muffin Man. He was always giving away muffins as well as the home-grown vegetables he enjoyed growing every summer.

Gerry was committed to preserving his French-Canadian heritage and its culture through the Institut Jacques Cartier, a Franco-American fraternal organization, which he joined in 1946, serving as treasurer, and as secretary-treasurer for more than 30 years. After the company’s merger with the Association Canado-Americaine, an insurance coverer, over the years he served the Dr. Paul J. Fortier Court 52 as president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and auditor.

He also enjoyed socializing at La Renconte and other functions at the Franco-American Heritage Center. On a regular basis, he also widened his horizons by attending travel and musical presentations at the Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Foundation in Greene. His leisure activity was golfing. He enjoyed spending time in the fresh air with his golf buddies. He had been a member at Prospect Golf Course, Apple Valley Golf Course and Pine Acres Golf Course.

As his family and friends reflect on his selfless lifetime, prayers of praise are lovingly offered.

Survivors include two sons, Richard Legare and wife, Debbie, of Millersville, Md., and Thomas Legare and wife, Carol, of Brunswick; three daughters, Beth and husband, Clive Mansbridge, of St. Augustine, Fla., Patrice and husband, Richard Raymond, of St. Augustine, Fla., and Therese and husband, Dennis Banks, of Lewiston; eight grandchildren, Danielle Legare, Nathan Legare and wife, Sarah, Steven Legare, Lisa Legare, Kelley Lee Dyke and wife, Stacey, Moriah Raymond, Dana Banks and Diamond Banks; five great-grandchildren, William Legare, Matthew, Joshua and Makayla Dyke and Alexis King; nephew, Alphonse Veilleux and wife, Joan and their children; nephew, Paul Legare and wife, Gigi, of Montreal, and their children; nieces, Paulette Sauve and husband, Roland, of Montreal, and family; and Germaine Heffernan of Iroquois, Quebec, and family; Gerry leaves behind many loved ones from his wife’s side of the family; extended stepgrandchildren; and many dear and longtime friends including his good friend of six years, Marie Goding, and her loving family who will miss him as well.

He was predeceased by his wife; his parents; two brothers, Charles Jr. and Henri; one sister, Albertine; one grandson, Kevin Legare; aunts, Irene Beaudoin and Helene Perrault; two uncles, Albert Lachance and Antonio Lachance; and niece, Rachel (Veilleux) Cote.

Condolences, donations, and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.