PITTSBURG — Leo U. LeClair, 79, of Pittsburg formerly of Jaffrey, died peacefully, although unexpectedly on Jan. 26, 2012, in Pittsburg.

Leo was born Aug. 12, 1932 in Jaffrey, son of the late Ulderic and Marie (L’Etoile) LeClair. He was a 1950 graduate of Conant High School in Jaffrey.

Following high school, Leo enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with Company D, 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars.

Leo was a proud veteran and life member of the American Legion, having been a member of the John Humiston Post #11 in Jaffrey for forty years and later transferring his membership to Northland Post #47 in Beacher Falls, Vt.

He had worked as a machinist for Central Screw Company in Keene and had retired in 1979. Leo also had worked as an estate manager for many families in the greater Monadnock area.

He was extremely independent and self-sufficient. He loved to work outside, be it cutting his wood for the winter, mowing his perfectly manicured lawns, or plowing snow with his favorite Dodge truck. Leo enjoyed feeding his deer and wild birds as well as suppers with friends. He volunteered at the Pittsburg food pantry with his wife, Edna. He enjoyed woodworking and carpentry, but he cherished visiting with his family and watching his grandchildren grow and succeed.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Edna (Maki) LeClair of Pittsburg whom he married in 1955. Other family members include his three daughters, Catherine Grinyer and husband, Paul, of London, England, Elizabeth “Bett” Eleftheriou and husband, Dean, of Troy and Kristin Pulenskey and husband, P. Greg, of Wyantskill, N.Y., his son, Michael LeClair and his wife, Susan, of Peterborough, 12 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, his brother, Raymond M. LeClair and wife, Susan, of West Peterborough, and his best friend and favorite neighbor, Joe Sabolevski and his wife, Sherri, of Roxbury.

As per his request, there will be no calling hours.

A Committal Services with full military honors will be held in the chapel at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway Rte 3 in Boscawen, on Feb. 2, 2012, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for those who wish can be made to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey 03446, or to your local food pantry.

The Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 33 River Street, Jaffrey is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, send a condolence to the family or for more information, visit www.cournoyerfh.com.