Raymond J. Lessard, 88, of Manchester, NH, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 20, 2021 at Bedford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bedford, NH surrounded by loved ones.
Ray was born on September 1, 1933, in Lowell Mass., to Albert and Marie (Bellemare) Lessard. After sadly losing his parents at a young age, in 1939, Ray was separated from his siblings. He spent summers with his brothers Andy and Mo at an aunt's farm and the interim at an orphanage in Lowell, Mass.
Over the years, Ray's true passion was for music and entertaining. He spent many years teaching guitar lessons and playing in bands such as "The Hallmarks," "Mac's Mob," "Hot Property", and "The Eddie Baker Band."
Ray loved to spend time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren and lovingly went by many nicknames such as ‘Grampa Ray’, ‘Razzu’, ‘Ray da Cook’, ‘RTC’ and ‘Raymundo’. Fond memories include spending hours visiting and celebrating, enjoying endless recipes, and saying cheers to a good time! Ray worked at Poor Boy's Restaurant in Derry, NH, from to 1994-2021, and his pork pie and pumpkin roll traditions will live on forever. Over the years, Ray enjoyed gardening, golfing, and sharing his remarkably accurate advice. His jokes always led to belly laughing and the occasional happy tear. Ray's love for life and desire to live fully until the end will forever be remembered.
Ray was blessed to spend 20 years with his true love and soul mate, Jeannine Chandonnet, who passed away in 2015.
He is survived by his son, David Lessard, his stepsons, Brian Holt and Anthony Holt, and his stepdaughter, Shannon Ellis. Ray was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren, Zachary, Gabrielle, Nathan, Laila, and Landon. Ray also had many friends and family that loved him endlessly including, Jess & Danielle, Shawn, Celeste & Cam, Denise & Julie, Bob & Pat, Dave & Lisa, Tom & Patty, Pete, Jett & Maci, the Vinton Street & DD crew, and many, many more.
Ray was survived by two of his siblings, Maurice "Mo" Lessard of Chelmsford, Mass. and sister Geraldine "Gerry" (Connor) Hamel of Edgewater, Florida.
In addition to his parents and the love of his life, Jeannine, Ray was predeceased by his sister Rita Marie West, of Crystal Falls, Michigan, and his brother Joseph, "Andy” Lessard, of California.
Following cremation, there will be a Celebration of Life for Ray. Details are being coordinated and will be communicated by his daughter, Shannon Ellis, when finalized.
Cheers to Ray and to a life well-lived.