East Greenbush- The family and friends of Tony LeGere know a deep sadness today because of his passing on the morning of March 26, 2009 after a courageous and long-fought battle with lung cancer. To say 'lung cancer' won this battle, would diminish the impact this charismatic and delightfully intelligent man made in life. He was a beautiful piece of poetry encompassing sharp intellect, poignancy, deep compassion, physical pain, great love, rich friendships, tragedy, ridiculous belly-laughing humor and tremendous insight about the world he experienced.
Born in Amityville, Tony then grew up in a small town in Central New York, Dolgeville. Much of the power Tony held was in how you felt when you were with him. He had the ability to see your light and could convey with such sincerity and eloquence what that light looked like to him. His compelling energy drew people to him and his wisdom and devastating humor held them rapt. He was, at the very center of his being, a 'teacher'. Without degree or training, Tony's depth of understanding about the world and the nature of the human experience was conveyed without pretense, and with a sincere reverence.
Although much of his life he struggled with physical pain, he had a strong work ethic and loved the satisfaction of a job done well. As a younger man, he was a successful sales manager at Compressor Engineering in Houston, Texas. For almost a decade after he left this position, the owner continued to contact Tony asking him to return. He left a mark wherever he journeyed. His insatiable curiosity and intellect made for some of the most elaborate, interesting and entertaining conversations. He had no filter when he spoke, but neither an intent to harm – and somehow this was always understood. In more recent years, he enjoyed his meticulous work as a house painter, lawn mower, odd job doer – mostly for friends and never charging enough for his services. He anguished over injustice, cruelty and wastefulness – his observations of these always profound. Tony's repertoire of friends ran the spectrum from rich to poor, professionals to procrastinators, the highly educated to drop outs, misfits to millionaires – they all saw the phosphorescence shimmering in him. Who could look away?
Tony is survived by his devoted son, Rocco Tobin-LeGere, nephews Michael Lyon, Matthew (Becky) Lyon, Christian Lyon and brother-in-law Bruce Lyon. He was pre-deceased by his lovely sister Annette Lyon, mother Phyllis (Trisolini) LeGere.
A memorial and reception will be held to pay tribute to Tony on Monday, March 30th at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 916 Western Avenue, Albany, 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 as they were a huge part of helping Tony pass peacefully and pain-free to the world he now belongs. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerAlbany.com