Richard Albert Lessard

Alton Bay NH-Richard Albert (Plug) Lessard, 77, formerly of Somersworth NH and Northport Fl died Friday September 5, 2014 at his daughter's home surrounded by family after a long illness. Born December 2, 1936 in Somersworth NH he was the son of the late Joseph Armand Richard and Yvonne "Millie" (Demers) Lessard. Richard has lived in Alton Bay for the last several years after moving from Northport Fl and Somersworth where he had grown up. He attended Somersworth High School and later enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War. While in the Navy he spent most of his three years on the USS Cassin Young DD793. Richard served in the Somersworth Fire Department receiving the Governors Highest Honor Award for Heroism before retiring as a Captain with 27 years of service. Richard was a very active man, he was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church in Somersworth, a member of the American Legion Post 69 in Somersworth NH, Graniteers Drum and Bugle Corp, Moose Lodge in Northport Fl, he sang in Minstrel shows and Golden Oldies group. His greatest gift other than his love to his family was his voice and love for entertaining. He contributed too many charities and was awarded for his contributions to the Southeastern Guide Dogs Foundation. Members of his family include his daughters; Kathleen Viel and her husband Steve of Alton Bay NH, Kelli Lynn Barnaby and her husband Rick of Sanford, ME and his son, Kevin Lessard of Rochester, a sister, Helen Phillips and her husband Lloyd of Northport Fl, a special daughter in-law, Maida Lessard of Troy NH, his grandchildren; Melissa Viel and Shannon Dodier both of Alton NH, Nicole Lessard of Methuen MA, Kayla Lessard of Troy NH, Joshua Lessard of Tilton NH and Joshua Barnaby of Portland ME, his great grandchildren; Jameson Duchesne, Kali Viel, Kylea Steadman, Ellianna Lessard, Emelia and Noah Monroy, he is predeceased by the mother of his children and soul mate, Patricia (Sullivan) Lessard and a daughter Eileen Lessard. Flowers may be sent to Edgerly Funeral Home and donations in his name may also be made to the Cornerstone Hospice VNA and or the Alzheimer's Foundation. Calling hours will be held Monday from 4-8 pm in the chapel of the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral home, 86 South Main St, Rochester NH 03867. A graveside service will be held Wednesday at 3pm in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Somersworth.