Marcel C. Lacasse

Marcel “Mel” C. Lacasse, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, atthe age of 87, surrounded by the love of the family he cherished so deeply until the very end at his longtime home.

Born on August 2, 1938, in Black Lake, Quebec, Canada; Marcel was the beloved son of Ludger Lacasse and Armoza (Demers) Lacasse, and one of twelve siblings in a hardworking French-Canadian family. Raised with humble beginnings on the farm, strong faith in Jesus Christ, and the importance of a strong family, Marcel learned early in life the values of perseverance, sacrifice, and gratitude that would define the man he became over the last 87 years on this earth.

As a young man, Marcel met the love of his life, Lucie Dubois, daughter of Phillip Dubois and Yvonne Daigle. Together they dreamed of building a brighter future. Encouraged by his new bride, who supported him to make the move and strongly encouraged him to take action, Marcel made one of the boldest decisions of his life. On June 6, 1964, with little money, no knowledge of the English language, and a heart full of determination, Marcel and Lucie left Black Lake for Manchester in search of greater opportunity and a better life including an eighteen month old son Marco. Lucie’s

brother-in-law, Yvon Marchand, drove the young couple across the border to begin that life-changing journey. Marcel was the only one of his twelve siblings to make the move to the United States.

Upon arriving in Manchester, Marcel and Lucie leaned on the support of fellow French Canadians building a new life through resilience, hard work, and community. Marcel found employment at the historic Waumbec Mills, the same place where his parents had once met in the 1920s when his father worked there as an elevator operator.

In many ways, Marcel was walking in the footsteps of his parents—returning to the city where their story began and writing the next chapter of his own. Paving the way while honoring his family's past yet always staying connected to his siblings and family in Quebec.

Many would call him crazy and he would smile. He had a way about him that was a little crazy and adventurous that fueled him throughout his life and has been passed on to his family.

Marcel soon began building not only a life, but a future. Through hard work and determination, he purchased multifamily homes, acquired land, and developed properties throughout Manchester. He built both a single-family home and a duplex on Kearsarge Street on the city’s West Side, and over the course of his life owned six investment properties. Some he built from the ground up, while others he thoughtfully renovated and improved. Each reflected Marcel’s sharp mind, eye for opportunity, and belief in creating value through effort.

In the 1970s, he founded Mel’s Siding, where he spent decades building a respected business and reputation for craftsmanship, honesty, and tireless work ethic. Marcel mentored many in the trades, proudly teaching others including Mike Innes the siding business and the value of honest labor. He loved sharing lessons of hard work and self-reliance with his children, grandchildren and anyone willing to listen. The strong work ethic he instilled lives on throughout the Lacasse family today.

Though Marcel very much enjoyed working and being productive doing construction, siding, property maintenance and more, his other full time job was loving and being present with his family. After long days on the job, he would come home and join his children in street hockey games.

He loved gatherings, celebrations, and making memories. He especially treasured the family tradition of Fête des Lacasse at the hall in Black Lake that was rented for decades celebrating New Years Eve together as an extended family. Many a time one would hear “Bonne Année” with a large smile, a longstanding family tradition that Marcel would hardly miss.

In the summers, the family would gather again at the family compound affectionately known as “Lac-Ass,” created by Marcel’s parents in Quebec, where generations gathered around a man-made spring fed lake built on the family farmland for celebration, connection, and lifelong memories. Marcel took great pride in this special place. He would reminisce about many fond memories when he would come to visit with his grandkids walking around the lake.

Marcel was a deeply spiritual man and devoted Catholic, a longtime parishioner of Saint Anthony Parish. Faith guided every part of his life. No matter the question or challenge, his answer was often simple and sincere: “Pray about it.” He spoke to God daily and believed in gratitude, humility, and trusting in something greater than oneself.

He was also a proud friend of Bill for more than 53 years, living as an example of strength, discipline, and personal growth.

Those who knew Marcel knew joy and love in his presence. He was the life of the party, a jokester who loved making people laugh and feel welcome. He loved dancing, playing pool, card games, telling stories, and teasing those he loved. He had a legendary sweet tooth and insisted on having something sweet after every meal. If dessert was missing, everyone knew it.

Marcel was also wise, bright, and gifted with numbers. He loved balancing bills, crunching numbers, and looking for investment opportunities well into his later years simply for the joy of it. He was stubborn in the best ways—fiercely independent, strong-willed, and a natural leader who carried himself with pride and dignity.

As a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, Marcel’s love knew no limits. He treasured every generation of his family and often greeted those he loved with his warm and familiar phrase: “Hey Buddy.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lucie Dubois Lacasse; his twin brother Marc Lacasse (Dolorès) of Black Lake; and Docile, spouse of Réjean Lacasse, of Black Lake, Quebec, Canada.

He is also survived by his children: Marco Lacasse of Hooksett, New Hampshire; Nancy Garrity (Stanley) of Manchester, New Hampshire; David Lacasse (Mary-Ellen) of Stratford, Connecticut; Bryan Lacasse (Jessica) of Pensacola, Florida; and Jessie Pinkham (Dave) of Manchester, New Hampshire.

He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Nicole Garrity (Jason), Jonathan Garrity (Kylie), Tony Lacasse, Dylan Lacasse, Savannah Lacasse, Alex Lacasse, Lilly Lacasse, Olivia Lacasse, Julia Lacasse, Nathan Lacasse, and Andrew Lacasse.

He is also survived by step-grandchildren: Jane Garrity (Eric), Matt Michalak (Kathy), and Sarah Michalak (Jay).

He continues on through his great-grandchild Leighton Garrity; also leaving behind his far reaching extended family with step-great-grandchildren Mitchell Morrissette, Anna Garrity, Claire Michalak, and Preston Francoeur; as well as a step-great-great-grandchild Silas Morrissette.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ludger and Armoza (Demers) Lacasse; and his siblings Gérald, Giselle, Huguette, Gemma, Thérèse, Francoise, Diane, Yvonne, Réjean, and Jean-Guy. They are all reunited in Heaven now.

Marcel’s life was the story of a family man with influence that spread wide and far thanks to the large family he came from as well as the large family he helped to create with his wife Lucie. Marcel was happiest being with his immediate and extended family with gatherings of over three hundred people at times in Canada. He was really loved by Lucie’s family too and would party with them just as much as his own family. What has been instilled into generations of Lacasse’s is the importance of family and that is

no different with Marcel. What was his hobby you might ask? Well that is simple, his family. Marcel, “Mel”, “Honey”, Dad, “Papa”, “Grandpa”, “Grandpapa” these were just some names that Marcel had from his friends, brothers, wife and his kids and grandkids.

Names that held meaning and love for this very special man. Marcel lived life full of gratitude for each and every day thanks to his strong faith in God and Jesus Christ.

Marcel made it his mission to make others laugh and to share his wisdom with others. He was deeply loved, will be profoundly missed, and will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the pleasure and privilege to know him.

May you never run out of papa cakes. Je t'aime beaucoup beaucoup.

The calling hours are from 5-8pm Friday, May 1st at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street, Manchester, NH. The Funeral Mass is Saturday, May 2nd at 10am at St. Anthony of Padua Church located at 172 Belmont St, Manchester, NH followed by the burial at Saint Augustin Cemetery at 211 South Beech Street, Manchester, NH.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the American Red Cross in Manchester, NH where Marcel was a regular blood donor with over fifty gallons of blood donated in his lifetime to which he was very proud. Go to Donate Now - Online Donations | American Red Cross