Lester “Les” LaSalle, 80, of Leominster, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, following a natural cause of death. He was born on December 8, 1945, in Gardner, Massachusetts, and lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, and a deep love for his family and friends.

Les grew up in Gardner and graduated from Oakmont High School, where he began building the strong foundation of character that would guide him throughout his life. He was a Christian man whose faith and values were reflected in the way he treated others, always with kindness, sincerity, and respect. Those who knew him best will remember him as loving, generous, and funny, with a warm personality that could brighten any room.

He dedicated many years of his life to his work and took great pride in a career built on skill, reliability, and perseverance. Les worked for Heald’s Machine Co., later Cincinnati Milacron, for more than 20 years until the company closed in 1992. In 1994, he and Ted Tarasiak opened LT Calibration-Machine Tool Calibrations, a business they operated together until 1997. He later worked for Martin Tool & Manufacturing in Hubbardston from 2005 to 2010 and for LKM in Woburn from 2010 to 2015, when he retired. Throughout his working years, he was known for his strong work ethic and steady presence.

Family was always the center of Les’s life. He adored spending time with his loved ones and found his greatest joy in being surrounded by family and friends. He especially loved anyone who cooked for him, and he never turned down a good meal shared in good company. Les is survived by his daughter, Lorna Stone and her husband, Jonathan, of Winchendon, Massachusetts; his son, Mark LaSalle and his wife, Karen, of Port St. Joe, Florida; his grandson, Kyle LaSalle and his significant other, Sara Ulmer, of Tennessee; his granddaughter, Alyssa Pickering and her husband, Michael, of Tennessee; and his grandchildren, Landon, Alexandria, Kenneth, and Adelyn. He was a proud and loving grandfather who delighted in spoiling his grandchildren and celebrating each of their lives.

Les shared 61 devoted years of marriage with his beloved wife, Judith, who predeceased him. Their long and loving union was a testament to their commitment and the life they built together. He was also predeceased by his parents, Leon and Gertrude LaSalle, and his brother, Leo LaSalle. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Les had many interests that brought him happiness and helped shape the full and active life he enjoyed. He loved riding his motorcycle, hunting, playing cribbage, woodworking, photography, and playing cards on Friday nights. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and the Caribbean, and he especially loved his annual two-week trips to St. Martin. He was a devoted sports fan, cheering for his favorite New England teams, and he especially enjoyed playing golf with friends and family. He was also a faithful viewer of General Hospital, which he watched daily. He enjoyed walking around the neighborhood with friends and furry one too. Recently, he spent three months in Florida as a snowbird, staying with Mark and Karen, and he thoroughly enjoyed that time away. While in Florida, he also volunteered by doing odd jobs at T. H. Stone Memorial Peninsula State Park, where he was glad to lend a helping hand. He also became a member of the Port St. Joe Snowbird Golf League and made many new friends.

Les LaSalle will be remembered for his generous spirit, his sense of humor, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His life was one of dedication to family, work, and the simple joys that made each day meaningful. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He will be greatly missed by all.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service held on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 1:00PM in Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453 with a calling hour prior from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. 

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