Whether you knew Phil Legare as a relative, friend, neighbor, coach, umpire, co-worker or as a guy with a crazy handshake, you knew him as a man of kindness, love, and laughter who deeply valued every person in his life, especially his family. A longtime resident of Hopewell Jct., NY, Phil passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at the age of 89, his wife ever at his side.

As a junior member of America's Greatest Generation, Phil always honored God, Family, and Country, and provided a sterling example to his five children, 22 grandchildren, 11 (and counting) great-grandchildren, and countless people who crossed his path over the years. He was a man of deep faith, selflessness, and heart.

Born on April 5, 1932 in Vallejo, CA during the heart of the Great Depression, Phil was the oldest son of Philip and Giselle Legare. As part of a Navy family that moved frequently, Phil often recalled his time living at Pearl Harbor and the haunting memory of the enemy planes flying over their home during the attack of December 7, 1941. His most cherished memories were always surrounding his time in New England, particularly life in Haverhill, MA, where much of his extended family was located.

After graduating from Merrimack College, Phil served as an officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Pocono. On one fateful journey that docked in Jamaica, West Indies, he would meet the woman who became the love of his life, Angela Munn. Of course, marrying a stubborn Jamaican who had an identical twin sister would present its share of challenges, but Phil could handle anything with his "darling sweetie"—even when she served hot dogs on their first Thanksgiving together or unwittingly revealed she had once gone on a date with Whitey Ford of the Yankees (a sacrilege to a Red Sox fan).

After retiring from the Navy, Phil began a 30-year career with IBM; after his retirement, he never slowed down: he served on the East Fishkill Planning Board, worked at Beekman Country Club, and spent countless hours umpiring all over Dutchess County. His love for young people showed itself in the years he coached CYO basketball and East Fishkill Senior League baseball, complete with several championship seasons.

He will definitely be remembered by many people for his epic, multi-step handshake that cracked up everyone who experienced (and survived) it.

He loved fishing, doing crosswords, the Red Sox (until 1986 anyway), and most of all, the time spent with his family. He was a master story teller who enjoyed putting his favorites down on paper—a habit that proved to be a wonderful reward to his family in his final days.

Above all else, Phil's deepest commitment was to God and his Roman Catholic faith. He and Angela never missed Mass at their beloved St. Denis-St. Columba Church.

In addition to his beloved wife Angela, Phil is survived by his five children: Kathleen Adamek and her husband Dennis, David LeGare and his wife Diane, Philip Legare III and his wife Liza, Frederick Legare and his wife Ellen, and Patrick Legare and his wife Leigh. He is also survived by his 22 grandchildren: David Adamek (Ashley), Aaron Adamek, Valerie Valerio (Mike), Cmdr. Brian LeGare USN (Fallon), Nikki Lapré (Rob), Michael LeGare, Stephen LeGare, Tessa Thayer (Cody), Amelia Legare, Isabelle Legare, Andrew Legare (Rachel), Peter Legare (Abigail), John Paul Legare, Matthew Legare, Joseph Legare, Thomas Legare, Michael Legare, Mary Legare, Sarah Legare, Sophia Legare, Patrick R. Legare, and Maddy Legare;

and 11+ great-grandchildren; his brother Edmund Legare and his sister Mary Lou Myers. He was predeceased by his parents Philip and Giselle Legare; and his brother Vincent Legare.

Our family is deeply grateful for the care and love Phil received from Hospice of Dutchess County and the wonderful home health aides provided by Lisa Brown's Home Care: Romeo, Vergie, and Rosa.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or Maria Fareri Children's Hospital.

Calling hours will take place on Friday, February 18, from 3-7 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.