Charles (Carolus) Leclerc (1901 - 1979)
Submitted by Rose Gagné Leclerc, spouse of his nephew René (#413)
His son Donald F. Leclerc is also a member (#401)
Translation by Jacinthe and Allan Leclerc
(N.B. In "La Revue Le Clerc" #6 of November 1965, Cyrille, the founder highlighted the contribution of Charles Leclerc "Ami de l'éducation". We can say "mission accomplished".)
Charles was the 2nd oldest of a modest family of five. He was born June 7th, 1901 in Sainte-Germaine de Dorchester, Quebec. Charles was the son of Alphonse Leclerc and Ophelia Bolduc. Charles lost his father at the tender age of six, and in spite of very difficult young years, Charles became a man with a steadfast will and overflowing enthusiasm who knew how to build and appreciate life.
His mother, Ophelia, raised him and his four brothers on her own until she remarried when Charles was 11 years old. A year later, barely 12 years old, Charles quit school and left his family to earn a living working in a logging camp. Charles worked his way across Canada working on the railway and back through the United States to Eastern Canada where he would meet the love of his life.
His marriage to Elianne Tessier (a young girl living in Laconia, New Hampshire) on September 21st, 1924 established himself within the community where he worked as a butcher. Charles and Elaine had three children, Rita, Doris and Donald. It was when Charles moved his family to Bristol Connecticut that he took a keen interest in the real estate market. It wasn't long before his presence was known among businessmen and politicians of the state. Charles was an easy going, well known and liked by all. He ran for Member of Parliament for the state of Connecticut where he was re-elected 3 times until 1972.
Charles held dearly in his heart the utmost importance of education, since he had never been able to finish his Grade 7. He was very active on committees with regards to education and social services. One of his greatest successes was his work on the foundation of a community college in Bristol, Connecticut. Tunxis Community College was founded in 1970 and Charles Leclerc was a member of the Consulting Council for many years. Long after his retirement, the political and community aspects continued to be his passion and his activity still remained in real estate.
Charles Leclerc was a remarkable man who kept a victory smile upon his face that reflected the satisfaction of success.
Mr. Charles (Carolus) Leclerc 1901 - 1979
Board of Directors of "Tunxis Community College" (Octobre 1970)
left to right: Mr. Carl A. Magnuson, Dr. Benjamin Davis,
Charles Leclerc, Rev. Edmund O'Brien
The family of Mr. Mss Charles Leclerc (Novembre 1966)
left to right: (arr)Mr. Bertrand Bouvier, Mss Doris Leclerc-Bouvier,
Mr. Donald Leclerc, Mss Juliette Gordon-Leclerc, Mss Rita Leclerc-Cleveland, Mr. Kenneth Cleveland
(cen)MM Robert et Raymond Bouvier (avant)Mlle Denise Bouvier,
Mr. Mss. Charles J. Leclerc, Richard Bouvier, Noël-Thomas Bouvier