Edouard (Eddie) W. Leclerc, age 93, a lifetime native of Somersworth, died peacefully at home on September 25th. He was born December, 24th 1931, to Omer and Isabel Leclerc. His beloved wife of over 60 years, Marie (Irene) preceded him in death, as do his two brothers Valmore Leclerc and Richard Leclerc.

As a youth, he attended St Martin Academy for grammar school. He attended high school at Saint Charles Seminary in Sherbrooke, Quebec, CA. After he returned to Somersworth, he met Irene on a blind date, and his life changed forever. They were married July 4th 1953. They raised 6 children and lived in the same home on Drew Road for 65 years. That home was lovingly named "Leclerc's State Park", because of the many celebrations and get-togethers with family and friends.

For over 20 years he worked at Somersworth Shoe Company as a Purchaser, and 12 years at a shoe factory in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  then as successful insurance agent at John Hancock Insurance Company until his retirement in 1989. Eddie is an honored and well-respected military veteran. He served in the United States Army National Guard for over 39 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He received numerous decorations and awards for his service including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device-60, Overseas Service Bar and Expert Badge with Bar.

He was proud to be a veteran, and service was his top mission. He was a member and officer of Catholic War Veterans and served as Treasurer for Post 1755 for over 20 years. In 2019, he was inducted into The Honor Legion of the Order of St. Sebastian. This is the highest honor given by the Catholic War Veterans to recognize Catholic veterans who demonstrate exemplary service to God, country and community.   He was also a member of Disabled American Veterans, Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars. His faith was his compass and served as the major source of many of his friendships. He was a devout parishioner at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish

He was an avid stamp and coin collector starting in his youth. He continued collecting both until very recently. He was fascinated by international stamps and coins, and he regularly attended local collectors club meetings. He passed on his love for this hobby to his son and his great grandson.  He had a great sense of humor and it is was rare he was not smiling. He saw the bright side, and he did not let adversity drag him down.

Ed is survived by his six children; sons, Rick, Paul, and Chris Leclerc; daughters Jeanne, Lorraine, and Jackie; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

There will be visitation, today, at the Bernier Funeral Home, 49 South St, Somersworth, NH 03878, at 4-6p on Monday, September 29th. A funeral Mass will take place Tuesday, September 30th at 10am, at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish St. Martin Church, 120 Maple St, Somersworth, NH, 03878. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Catholic War Veterans Post 1755. P. O. Box 4321, Manchester, NH, United States.  To leave online condolences please visit www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com . Care for the Leclerc family has been entrusted to the Bernier Funeral Home.