Armand Legere

Armand E. Legere, 77, passed away at his home in Wells, on February 26, 2018 surrounded by his partner and his two children. Armand's passing was peaceful on a sunny morning. He had just been visited by his grandchildren and most of his siblings the day before his death. He was smiling and singing until the end.He was born on September 14, 1940 to Antoine and Antoinette (Roy) Legere in Sanford where he grew up and attended local schools. He was the fifth of six children. He attended St. Ignatius School, was a star athlete and was the captain of the basketball, football, and baseball teams. His athlete's sweater is in the historical museum in Sanford, displaying all three captain's patches. His nickname was "Pop" and had a reputation as a gifted athlete.Armand attended some college and then decided to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. During the Vietnam War, he was stationed in the Philippines. He often spoke of that time with great pride and fondness. Upon his return, he married Paulette Lasante and together they had three children.He and his brother in law Dennis Forest started the A&D Cleaning Service and he spent his career being a proprietor for over 50 years. Armand was a talented musician and became a fixture as the "piano man" at Jonathan's Restaurant in Ogunquit for nearly 20 years. He was quite an entertainer and was known for his "open mike" nights. Armand gained quite a following who were known as "the Armand Heads". He was musically gifted, and taught himself to play the piano as early as the age of four. He could play various other instruments as well, such as the guitar and banjo. He also volunteered to play at nursing homes. Although Armand could not read music, he could play almost any song and was known for his funny twists, humorous songs, and creative lyric adjustments. He passed his love of singing and playing music on to his children who are gifted in much the same way. Being a devout Catholic, Armand was a parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and attended Mass daily until his health prevented him from doing so. He had a strong faith and began each day in prayer. He was an intrepid and unwavering fan of the Red Sox, and the New England Patriots. Also, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, clam digging, and was a great gardener. He also loved the ocean and would drive by it daily.We will remember Armand for his cheerful laugh, bright smile, caring embraces, and clam and seafood chowder-yeah, it was that good! He loved his partner, their many pets over the years, his garden, his children, and his grandchildren. Armand was deeply affected by his youngest son's death in 1990 and his grandson's death in 2005. We know they were there to greet him as he passed from this world to the next. Happy trails Armand! Until we meet again!Armand is predeceased by his parents Antoine and Antoinette, his son Jeffrey Legere, his infant grandson Simon Hunsberger and his brother in law Dennis Forest.Survivors include his children, Michelle Legere and her husband, Jeffrey Hunsberger, Christopher Legere and his wife Isabella Roversi-Legere, Armand's life partner Ferne Little and her children Christopher Little and son Brayden, and Danielle Petridalis and her children Celeste, Chloe and Jake, his siblings Robert Legere and his wife Beatrice, Rachael Leclerc and her husband Valmore, Germaine Doiron and her husband Roger, Simone Forest, and Monique Cote, grandchildren, Nathan Tenney, Sophie Hunsberger and Gabrielle Legere.Visitation will be held on Friday, March 2nd from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 3rd, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Church, 236 Eldridge Road, Wells.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Sanford Vet Center- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 628 Main St. Springvale, ME 04083.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.Armand will be buried with full military honors at a later date. To leave a message of condolence visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com