LACONIA ---- Leo J. Richard, 98, of County Drive, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the Belknap County Nursing Home.
Leo was born on June 7, 1924, in Rumford, ME, the son of Antoine and Louise (Daigle) Richard. He had 10 siblings, with his last living brother Francis Richard, who resides in Rumford, ME.
He worked in the shipyards in Portland, ME during World War II, where he met his wife Yvonne LeClaire. They were married until her passing in 1991. After living in Portland, ME, they moved to Massachusetts for several years before moving to Groveton, NH, where he raised his family and worked in the local paper mill.
Leo was an avid golfer well into his 80’s, and physical fitness was always a part of his life. He was very proud of the years he spent as a Boy Scout leader and being a top athlete in skiing and speed skating. Later in life he found companionship with Phyllis Dame and her family, with whom he enjoyed many happy years.
After a small stroke in 2019, he lived out the remaining years at Belknap County Nursing Home, where he was very happy. He was always thankful for the great care he received there and called it his home.
Leo is survived by his sons, Glen Richard and his wife Andrea, and Ron Richard and his wife Mary, his grandchildren, Alex Richard, and Nolan Richard and his wife Kelly, one great-grandchild Allen, and his brother Francis Richard. In addition to his parents, Leo is predeceased by his wife Yvonne (LeClaire) Richard and nine siblings.
Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 12:00pm-2:00pm at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, using the Carriage House entrance.
A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 2:00pm at the funeral home.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.