Tribute Wall
Wednesday
28
February
Visitation at Funeral Home
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, New York, United States
Wednesday
28
February
Visitation at Funeral Home
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, New York, United States
Thursday
1
March
Funeral Mass
9:45 am
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Maria Regina R.C. Church
3945 Jerusalem Avenue
Seaford, New York, United States
Final Resting Place
St. Charles Cemetery
Conklin Street
Farmingdale, New York, United States
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Thomas Kershaw posted a condolence
Thursday, October 7, 2021
I was heartbroken when I saw that Dr. LaClair had passed. He was my guitar teacher through all 4 years of high school, and one of the few teachers I was excited to go back and visit again. I had only known him as Mr. LaClair, but I knew he was working on his doctorate and thought it'd be entertaining with both of us referring to each other as "Dr." His class was always a blast, and along with anyone else who had him for Guitar 2 I'll have his rendition of the Circle of Fifths forever playing back in my head.
I have way too many memories with him to write here, but one memory that sticks out was in Guitar 3, when we had a relaxed day and were watching youtube videos. I recommended one called "Shamwow Guy in Jail," because I thought he'd appreciate the humor. One of the people in the video swore and (at the time) Mr. LaClair was upset with me for recommending it because of it. I forgot that that was in the video, and although I didn't say anything at the time I felt so so bad about it.
He was one of my favorite teachers ever, and probably one of the most influential people in my life. I truly believe he is part of the reason why I am who I am and where I am in life today. I'm so sad that I didn't get the chance to see him again and thank him for all he's done for me, but I feel so incredibly lucky to have been able to know him.
My sincerest condolences to all his family and friends.
- Tommy Kershaw, MD, Former Guitar I-IV student and Guitar Ensemble member, current 4th year Psychiatry Resident
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Hibah lit a candle
Thursday, February 11, 2021
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He was my elementary music teacher I miss him very much he was one of the nicest teachers I have ever had I am very sad and heartbroken till this day of what happened to him he was a kind person now that I’m in middle school and each time I play music I never forget him rest in peace I am very sorry I’m on what happened to him :(
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Matt Robson posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Brian was my guitar teacher. My friends took group lessons in middle school in 1995, then got individual lessons after that.
I'm glad he was able to bring his gift to many more with the rest of the time he had.
He had enough smiles for the both of us. What an infectious grin. And the trademark toothpick.
Thanks for the memories.
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Kathy and Larry Lang posted a condolence
Saturday, March 24, 2018
My son, Scott, played in Dr. La Clair's Guitar Ensemble while he was a student at MacArthur High School. Even after Dr. La Clair moved to Lee Road School, he would return every year for the Arts Festival at MacArthur and all of his past students, including my son, would look forward to this and they would perform again, with Dr. La Clair, in the hallway, as people looked at all of the art work. Scottie always looked forward to that because Dr. La Clair was like no other teacher. He was just the coolest, most thoughtful teacher, and definitely one of the best ones my son ever had! Dr. La Clair would even ask my son to accompany his new class as they performed their concerts. He had his students perform for the young students at the Hagedorn School every year. Dr. La Clair wrote Scott such a beautiful letter of recommendation as he was applying to college. It is precious. Mrs. La Clair, we want you to know that your husband truly made a difference and will never be forgotten. He will always be one of the best teachers our son ever had!
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Sal Esposito lit a candle
Thursday, March 15, 2018
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I hadn't seen Brian since I retired from teaching 3 years ago and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He always had a kind word and a smile for me when ever we crossed paths at MacArthur. He was one of those positive people that made everyone around him feel better about what ever was going on in their world and the state of things in general. My deepest condolences to the family of this terrific man who will be sorely missed.
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Andre McSherry uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
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Black Belt Test group shot 10/12/2008. Brian standing back row on left. My condolences to your family. A great guy and training partner.
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Linda Wilkens uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 5, 2018
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One of the few pictures of all the cousins together.
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Stephen Forker posted a condolence
Saturday, March 3, 2018
I was heartbroken to learn of Brian's passing. Like Brian, I don't often use Facebook but on a whim I checked Lou Jaworski's page and found this terrible news. Starting in Middle School and through our early twenties Brian and I were extremely close. Brain is a big part of my most important memories from that time. I spent a lot of time in the basement of the house on Columbus Ave. playing music with Brian and Ed. Brain and I ran cross country together during the time that we were both at Mepham High School. We also got involved with all kinds of other things, most of it good and some of it not-so good. Through it all I loved and admired Brian for his strength and his goodness. The last time I saw Brian things were tough, so I'm happy to know that he found some peace and contentment later in life. I wish could have attend the services and properly mourn Brian, but please know that he will always remain in my thoughts and in my heart.
With heartfelt condolences,
Stephen Forker
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Matt Verini lit a candle
Friday, March 2, 2018
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Mr. LaClair was one of my best friends rather than just a teacher to me. Taking his guitar class all throughout high school was the best part of my experience as a teenager. He didn't treat his classes the way a normal instructor would. The classes were full of fun, life lessons, beautiful music and conversations that may have benefitted a lot of our lives with how deep they got at times. He was a man who studied many religions to understand every side of what all walks of life believe and go through.
There were times where he would come down to the cafeteria and offer to show me some videos of blues guitarists so we could learn awesome riffs together. In my senior year, he nominated me as his teacher's choice award and that award has sat on my wall in my room since I received it from him. In the summers, I would take drives down to Fort Salonga at Elijah Churchill's to watch him play jazz progressions with his colleagues and also hang out to shoot the breeze with him when he would finish playing. I wanted to go see him this summer however I traveled to Italy to study abroad to school. I thought about him a lot while I was there and heard all the amazing guitar music throughout the streets of Florence.
He told me something that I will take with me for the rest of my life when I was in a very upset state of mind about where my life was going at one point. He said, "Nothing ever changes if nothing ever changes." This was the time in my life where I turned things around for the better because I changed many things about the way I was living.
I sincerely thank you Mr. LaClair; For all the memories, laughs, music, instruction and life lessons. All of it truly meant the world to me and I am certain all your other students are so grateful for your existence and vacation away from reality that you presented everyone with through your music. Cheers Brian.
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Gary and Margie Lewis posted a condolence
Friday, March 2, 2018
Our since condolences to you and your family. Brian will be missed.
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David Velez posted a condolence
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Mr. LaClair was the most influential teacher I had, especially when it came to music. He introduced me to the greats and always made me push to become a better musician and person. Im left with many memories of taking his classes and listening to his advice. I left for the Airforce right after HS and saw him when I finished basic. I was planning on visiting the school for the first time in 7 seven years since I moved away from NY just to go visit him and tell him about my adventures. He was a good man and great teacher. Ill miss him but never forget the things I learned.
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Anthony Verdi posted a condolence
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Mr. LaClair was by far the most influential part of my teenage years. Not only was he the best teacher and mentor that I’ve ever had, he also talked me out of making some really bad choices and helped me get off of hard drugs. I left for the Army when I was 18 and never really came back to NY to say thank you. This hurts so much. If there were more teachers like him I could guarantee that school shootings wouldn’t happen. He changed so many lives and I wouldn’t be the musician and the person I am today without him. Rest your soul.
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Catherine da Silva posted a condolence
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Hi, I was a fellow doctoral student in Brian’s classes at FTC. He was such a talented, knowledgeable man. Also, so kind. I am so very sorry for your loss.
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Gerry & Michelle Saulter posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, March 1, 2018
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Heartfelt condolences on the loss of this beloved, kind man. We have many happy memories of sharing the gift of music with Brian. May the days ahead be peaceful as Brian’s spirit is honored.
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Rebecca Z posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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You will be missed, Dr. LaClair. Fly high, free bird. Thank you for the guidance, the inspiration, and the laughter.
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Rebecca Z lit a candle
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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Though I never was a student of his, Dr. LaClair's passion for music and music education inspired me and made me want to pursue guitar lessons with another teacher in our school. He was always so passionate and kind and so, so energetic, and he will be missed by so many.
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Tom and Arlene Van Loan lit a candle
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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Elaine,
Our condolences for your loss. Brian was a remarkable man and he will be missed.
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Nick Benenati posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Mr. LaClair was the man. I’m sad to hear of his passing. He made a lot of people’s high school experience better through his guitar class, including mine. I’ll always remember him. My condolences to his family.
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Jason Langiulli lit a candle
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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I will always remember the great times and how much fun you made music lessons. You were an amazing teacher and the nicest man I met. I will miss you forever
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McGuiness Family uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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Dr LaClair with guitar ensemble & ensemble alumni at Mac Art show.
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McGuiness Family uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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MacArthur art show.
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The Porco family posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Maureen Hanlon uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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Mikey loved playing music with his Uncle Brian! This was the guitar that Brian "fixed" by pulling 7 little match box cars out of! We will miss him.
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John Nobile posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. We were friends in jr HS and beyond but lost touch with him. Used to "jam" with him as a teenager and then later on saw shows with him and Lou Jaworski who just told me the shocking information. So sorry to his wife and family. Brian was just an awesome person and guitar player. He will be missed. He is in God's presence now and I believe we will see him again.
John Nobile
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Elizabeth Katz posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
My 2 daughters both took guitar with him at McArthur H.S. What a talented and lovely man. Heartfelt condolences from my whole family to your family.
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mark cummins posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Brian was a great musician friend teacher i thank god for introducing us
brian keep doing what you do best keep playing music you will be dearly missed
love mark
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John & Katie Byrne and family lit a candle
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
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So sorry for your loss...our sincere condolences to you and your
family. Our prayers are with you.
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Paige Hardison posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Brian was a terrific teacher, musician, and colleague. Words cannot fully express how sad all of us are who knew him. His impact on his students, friends, and fellow musicians was profound. Much sympathy to Elaine and Brian's family.
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Jessalyn Murphy lit a candle
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
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Stay strong. Brian was so kind and loving, always happy all the time. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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Pszeniczny Family posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mr LaClair will be missed.
With Love,
Pszeniczny Family
Natalia and Konrad, your Lee Rd students
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Deborah Dolan posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Elaine, I am so very, very sorry about Brian. May God bless you and hold you (and Brian's family) in the palm of His hand during this terrible time. Brian is already with him.
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Scott Delbango posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Brian taught me how to play guitar, and I considered him a good man and a friend. The world sounds a little less beautiful without him.
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Bob and Michelle Mulligan posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
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Mat God bless you all and comfort you with your love for Brian and one another.
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Rich Delbango posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Pat and I are heartbroken. Brian was one of the most talented people I ever met. I will miss his wit and wisdom. Rest in Peace, my friend.
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Barbara Murphy lit a candle
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
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For the most sweetest, kind and loving person.
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Kerry and Brian Faver lit a candle
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
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We are sending our love and prayers to you and the family during this most difficult time.
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The family of Brian G. LaClair uploaded a photo
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
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Please wait
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RON NOREMAN posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2018
Elaine- am so sorry for your loss. My whole family's and the whole firm's thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Janet Tierney posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2018
So sorry to hear about Brian. Such a wonderful and talented person. We enjoyed many fun times and much music with the two of you.
Elaine and I know that Brian and Ed are together in the rhythm section once again.
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Diane Bisulca posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2018
Elaine,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Words can not express how very sorry I am.
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Helene Antinucci posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2018
Elaine,
Sending you and your family my love and deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss.
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Marilyn Schneider posted a condolence
Monday, February 26, 2018
My heartfelt wishes to the family. A loss of someone so young is always painful. Remember the happy times always
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Raul, Angie & Ethan Moreno lit a candle
Monday, February 26, 2018
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Sending you our love and prayers in this difficult time. May god bless and give strength to you and your family.
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Alex McGuiness lit a candle
Monday, February 26, 2018
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Sending my prayers and blessings. Much love to your family in this difficult time.
West Islip
1225 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, NY 11795
(631) 661-5644
East Islip
200 East Main St
East Islip, NY 11730
(631) 581-5600
Bethpage
20 Hicksville Road
Bethpage, NY 11714
(516) 731-5600