Raymond J. Lessard age 83 of Brockton, died Friday December 18, 2015 at the Life Care Center in West Bridgewater after period of failing health. He was the loving husband of Delia R. (Colombo) Lessard for 60 years.
Ray was born in Brockton the son of the late J. Raymond and Helen (Mellman) Lessard and was a lifelong resident of the city. A 1951 graduate of Brockton High School, Ray was a self-employed electrical contractor for over 50 years. He had been a member of the IBEW Local 223 where he served on the JATC Board and received his 60 year pin.
He was a member of the Brockton High Track Team and Football Teams. He received a Football scholarship to Indiana University.
Ray was very involved in the boxing community in Brockton. He won the 1952 Lowell Sun Golden Gloves Heavyweight Championship and received the Rocky Marciano Trophy. He went on to have a successful professional career with a 10-1 record until old football knee injuries forced him into retirement. He later formed and directed with other local boxers a free youth boxing program at the Gilmore School and had exhibition bouts held at the Brockton VA where the kids could show off their skills.
In his free time, Ray enjoyed gardening, reading world history, animals, bike riding and talking about old times with his friends. He will be remembered as a hard worker whose world revolved around his wife and children.
Ray is survived by his six children Helen Dunlavey and her husband Philip of Mendon, MA; Paulette Lessard of Middleboro, Linda Anderson and her husband Joseph of Merrimack, NH; Susan Temistokle and her husband Tommy of Long Island, NY; Raymond Lessard, Jr. and his wife Michelle of E.Bridgewater and Joseph Lessard and his wife Vjajan of Washington, DC. He also leaves 8 grandchildren Jennifer, Jonathan, Peyton, Makenna, Rachel, Rebecca, Amartya and Siddartha.
Visitation will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street, Brockton on Wednesday 3-6 pm with a funeral service at 6 pm. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston Ma 02215.