Ellsworth "Hank" Lemire

Ellsworth Henry “Hank” Lemire, 90, of Auburn, formerly of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Hank was born in Worcester, one of eight children of John and Marie Lemere. When he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to serve in the Korean War, his last name was recorded as Lemire, which he carried for the rest of his life.  Ellsworth had many nicknames: “Blackie,” “Hank,” “Henry,” “Hanky Panky,” and “Baby Whisperer,” as he was known for soothing fussy grandbabies with the Marine Corps hymn.

For over 68 years, Hank was a proud member of Laborers’ Union Local 243 in Worcester, MA. He worked for Hayeck Construction and, for many years, held two jobs to support his family. After his construction years, he cared for the Concord Apartments. You couldn’t find a harder worker than Hank—a trait he passed along to his children and grandchildren.  Hank will always be part of the fabric of Worcester, with his work living on in places like the Worcester Center Galleria, the Worcester Post Office, St. Vincent’s Hospital, and St. Bernadette Church in Northborough.

A coach at heart, Hank started the first Pop Warner football program in Worcester. He also coached baseball, and his teams won several Little League and Babe Ruth City championships. Hank was a fixture at his children’s and grandchildren’s games, plays, and ceremonies—always arriving early to sit in front. Hank loved playing card and board games and was still winning at cribbage just a few weeks ago. Trips to the casino were also a favorite pastime.

Hank actively practiced his Catholic faith and wouldn’t miss church on Sundays, continuing to watch Mass on TV once his mobility decreased. A jack of all trades, Hank was skilled at clock repair and building—both small and grand. He maintained a small clock business and often gave away the clocks he made to anyone he met. We’re not sure if he had more clocks, hats, or souvenir spoons.  Hank enjoyed beach trips to Cape Cod and Narragansett, RI. While he treasured Christmas Eve with the Lemire family, he also loved celebrating the 4th of July with his entire family in Narragansett—bringing the cribbage board to the beach, of course. Most importantly, Hank took great pride in his family and was blessed to be surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren as he entered eternal rest.

Hank is survived by his wife of nearly 71 years, Mary Jean (White), whom he met at Maloney Field when they were teenagers. They married in October 1954 after Hank returned from Korea. In addition to Jean, Hank is survived by his five children: Edward Lemire and his wife Joan of Worcester; Kathleen Lemire of Auburn, with whom he lived; Kevin Lemire and his wife Ellen of Shrewsbury; Ret. Worcester Police Officer Timothy Lemire and his wife Allison of Worcester; and Brian Lemire and his wife Monica of Winthrop. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren who lovingly called him “Pops”: Tim, Keith, Ben, Matt, Megan, Connor, Bridget, Zachery, Colton, and Collin; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and loved ones.  In addition to his parents, Hank was predeceased by his grandson, Sean Lemire; and his seven brothers: Oscar, Alphonse, Ernest and Edward Lemire; Louis “Blackie,” Arthur “Whitey” and Irvine Kent.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Monday, August 25th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 PLANTATION ST. His funeral will be held Tuesday, August 26th from the funeral home with a procession to St John’s Church, 40 Temple St, where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery, Worcester.