UPDATE: Joseph Angelo Legueri, beloved teacher and family man, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, at the age of 81. His remarkable journey through life, marked by humor and love, touched countless lives in the community.
Legueri spent over three decades as an educator, starting his teaching career at Duluth Cathedral in 1967 and retiring in 2001. Known for his wit, he famously inspired students with his catchphrase, “The heck you say,” leaving a lasting impression on his pupils.
A loving husband to Shirley Legueri for 58 years, Joe and Shirley built a life together filled with adventure and joy, including raising their two children, Tony and Gina Haggard. Joe’s legacy continues through his grandchildren, Thomas, Cooper, and Kelsie, who he taught the importance of silliness and unconditional love.
In a unique farewell, the Legueri family invites friends to celebrate Joe’s life without traditional mourning. Instead, they encourage everyone to raise a glass, share stories—true or embellished—and reflect on the joy he brought to their lives. “There will be no somber service, no flowery speeches,” the family stated, emphasizing Joe’s vibrant spirit.
Joe was not only a dedicated educator but also a talented craftsman, having built the family home in the woods and a passionate car enthusiast, particularly fond of his 1948 Studebaker. He was the only son of Dorothy and Angelo Legueri of Nashwauk, growing up with four sisters: Patti Williams, Jeannie Sunnarborg, Margie Legueri, and Marianne Cable.
As the community mourns the loss of a cherished figure, the family encourages everyone to remember Joe through laughter and stories, embodying his zest for life.
Next Steps: Friends and family are invited to gather to honor Joe’s memory in a celebration that reflects his life philosophy. Details on the celebration will be shared soon, inviting all to join in this heartfelt tribute.
This announcement serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on a community, and the legacy of love and laughter that Joseph Angelo Legueri leaves behind.
