Mrs. Joan Darling LeClair, 84, of N. Utica, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

     Joan was born in Utica on April 8, 1941, the daughter of Gerald and Ruth (O’Connor) Darling. She was raised in Utica and was a proud graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and Utica Catholic Academy. On August 5, 1961, Joan was united in marriage with Leon Peter LeClair at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica. They shared 64 wonderful years together, beginning as high school sweethearts.

     Joan was employed at Indium Corporation and later dedicated many years as a secretary at the Knights of Columbus Council 189 in Utica. An avid reader, Joan also enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and especially caring for her daughter Mary and her beloved grandchildren. She was a devout member of the Catholic faith.

     Mrs. LeClair is survived by her loving husband, Leon Peter; four daughters and two sons-in-law: Lori LeClair of Florida, Mary LeClair of New Hartford, Becky and George Nugent of Clinton, and JoAnn and Carl Brown of Florida; seven cherished grandchildren: Peter O’Neal, Autumn (Michael) Miller, Drew (Glenda) Jankowski, Joan (Marcus) Burkle, Clay Brown, Dylan Brown, and Calen Brown; two adored great-grandchildren: Leon Miller and Parker Miller; one sister, Jeanette Light of Utica; one brother, Frederick (Jackie) Darling of New Hartford; sister-in-law Sue Darling; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by six sisters: Marion Cahill, Pricilla “Pat” Burn, Beverly Newton, Barbara Murphy, Suzanne “Suzie” Kress, and Nancy Tucker; and two brothers: Paul Darling and Jerome “Jerry” Darling.

     Joan's family would like to sincerely thank the Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses for their compassionate support during this difficult time.

    Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a service at 4:00 P.M.

    Those wishing to honor Joan’s memory are kindly asked to consider donations to The ARC, Oneida-Lewis Chapter-Day Treatment Program, 245 Genesee Street. Utica, NY 13501.