Bangor - Leo C. Thayer will be playing first clarinet with Saint Peter's Orchestra tonight. He left this world on Monday, February 27, 2017 after 98 years of love, laughter and a passion for life. Born on Feb. 4, 1919 to Leo and Mary (Capeless) Thayer in Pittsfield, MA, he grew up in Worcester, MA and graduated from Holy Cross in 1942. That same year he entered the Army-Air Force and served as a bandsman in Newfoundland, where he played for troops heading to the war in Europe. He met Ruth Kendall in Bangor and they were wed on May 29, 1944. For over 30 years Leo taught school in Winterport, Old Town and finally in Bangor at Garland St. Jr. High (now Cohen School) ending his career as assistant principal in 1982. From the age of 15 Leo played clarinet and saxophone professionally in the army, in local dance bands, with the 195th Army Band as First Sergeant and with the Bangor Band for 60 years. Leo was passionate about his music, walking in the woods and his family.

He is survived by and will be missed by his wife Ruth, son Robert and his wife Linda, son David and his wife Kim, and daughter-in-law Valerie; grandson John Thayer and his wife, Amy and their children Jackson and Jagger; grandson David and his wife, Karla and their daughter, Lauren; grandson Joshua. Leo was predeceased by his son, John in 2001.

Friends and family are welcome to visit 11 AM and 1 PM, Friday March 3 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Home at 299 Union Street, Bangor where a service honoring Leo's life will be held at 1 PM as the visitation concludes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bangor Band, c/o Bangor Parks & Recreation, 647 Main St. Bangor, ME 04401. Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.