Obituary of John J. Legasse, Sr.

John J. Legasse, Sr., 87, of Clifton Park, beloved husband for 51 years to the late Joan B. Maruski Legasse, entered into eternal life at home on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Born in Cohoes, NY, he was the son of the late James and Irene Raymond Legasse. He was a graduate of Keveny Academy in Cohoes and Siena College.

John was an exceptional athlete while at Keveny and earned an athletic scholarship to attend Siena College where he participated for 4 years on the baseball and basketball teams. During his Senior year, he was elected Captain of the Varsity Basketball and Varsity Baseball teams. That same year he was selected to play in the Catholic College All-star Basketball game in New York City. Also in his Senior year, he was recognized in Who’s Who in honoring college students.

After graduating from Siena, he took a job at Lindenhurst High School where he taught Math and Coached Baseball and Basketball. He did graduate work at Boston College, NYU, Catholic University, LIU and Adelphi. After 7 years, he returned to the Albany area where he taught at Mechanicville High School and Coached Basketball for over 30 years. He also was an Adjunct Professor at both Siena College and Russell Sage College. During the summer months, he taught Driver’s Ed at various schools, mostly in Burnt Hills. During his 40 years teaching in High School, he coached 25 teams, he enjoyed every team and he always said that coaching prolonged his adolescence. While teaching, he had a way of explaining difficult topics so the students were able to grasp them more readily. John was also proud of the fact that he knew of at least 10 former students that chose teaching Math as their career.

Devoted father of John J. “Jack” Legasse, Jr. (Dorine) and Lisa Palmer (Richard), brother of Irene McCaffrey (late, William), Maryann Bolton (Rich), the late Kenneth Legasse (late, Marion) and the late James Legasse, cherished “Pop” to Grandchildren Jason Legasse and Kathryn “Katy” Legasse, and is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park for Calling Hours on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and to the Funeral Service which will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waterford.

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