Earle J. Legge of Sarasota, FL passed away of natural causes on June 29, 2026 in Sarasota.
Earle was born in Norwood, MA on February 3, 1931 and grew up in Massachusetts. A highlight of Earle’s youth was singing in the Cathedral Choir at Trinity Church in Boston, MA. He graduated from Norwood High School in 1949 and from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA in 1953. Earle then earned a degree in Dentistry from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, after which he joined the Air Force, serving in the Strategic Air Command at Thule Air Base in Greenland from 1957 – 1960.
Following his military service, Earle returned to Massachusetts where he met his wife, Lenore, at a ski club. Earle and Lenore married on February 25, 1961 in Norwood and settled in Medfield, MA where Earle built and maintained a thriving dental practice until his retirement. Earle’s greatest passion in life was sailing with his dearest wife Lenore (affectionately called Nonee). They were members of the New Bedford Yacht Club, and took many sailing trips up and down the east coast of the US from Maine to Florida. In the summer, they frequently vacationed in a custom camper named the “Bayberry Buggy” after the bayberry plants native to the New Bedford, MA coastal area, and in the winter enjoyed pairs figure skating in addition to skiing. Earle was also active in local theater productions including several Gilbert and Sullivan musicals.
Following Earle’s retirement, Earle and Lenore moved to Venice, FL, where Earle enjoyed year-round golf as well as local theatre, concerts, and museums. In more recent years, they relocated to Sarasota, FL.
Earle is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Lenore (Fredrickson) Legge, and devoted cat Missy. Earle is also survived by nieces Dianne (Legge) Johnston of Holbrook MA, Susan (Legge) Espiritu of Abington MA, Kristen (Fredrickson) Bankuti of Maynard MA, Karen (Fredrickson) Umbrell of Ellicott City MD, and Ellen (Fredrickson) Zweig of Scarsdale NY. A Celebration of Life will be held in Sarasota in August.
