Marblehead…..


Retired Marblehead Fire Department Inspector Frank A. "Shorty" Legro, Jr. age 82, died Saturday, May 16, 2009 in the E.N Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford following a long illness. He was the loving husband for 51 years of the late Nancy Lee (Sylvester) Legro who predeceased him May 1, 2003.


Born in Lynn the son of the late Frank A. and Edith (Haines) Legro, Sr., he was raised and educated in Swampscott. Inspector Legro was an accomplished and respected athlete graduating as Class President of Swampscott High School, Class of 1945. He had played on the Baseball and football teams and also had been chosen Captain of the Varsity Basketball Team. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Navy and had served in the Pacific theater of operation aboard the USS LK Swenson, DD 729. While serving his country, he had been decorated with the WWII Victory Medal, the American Area Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.


Upon his return to civilian life, Mr. Legro was employed by H.P. Hood until being appointed to the Marblehead Fire Department as badge 16 by the late Fire Chief Edward Creighton on June 13, 1962. As his career developed, Inspector Legro was appointed as Payroll Clerk in April of 1973, and then Assigned as to the Fire Prevention Office on January 23, 1984 where he served until his retirement on August 31. 1989.


For several years he had also operated the Happy Homes painting and wallpapering business.


At the center of his life was his dedication to his family to whom he never said "no". An avid sports enthusiast, he never missed his children's games. He had also coached the Yankees in the Marblehead Little League as well as teams in the Marblehead Babe Ruth league. He was a wonderful friend and would do anything for anyone. He was also active in the community as a Third Degree Member with the Philanthropic Masonic Lodge in Marblehead.


Inspector Legro is survived by three children Frank M. and his wife Joanne Legro of Barrington, RI, Wendy Lee Legro Spillane and her husband Sean of Swampscott and local lobsterman Phillip Haines Legro of Marblehead; two sisters Edith O'connor of Lynnfield and Frances Atkins of FL, six grandchildren, Christopher, Emily, Lindsay, Meghan, Molly and Galaree and many nieces and nephews.


He was predeceased by two sisters Mary Benford and Wilma Nickerson.



His funeral will be celebrated on Thursday, May 21 at 10:00 A.M. in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be Wednesday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. during which Masonic services will be held at 7:30P.M. Interment will be in Swampscott Cemetery. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.