Edmond Gerard Thibodeau, 78, of Salem, NH, died Wednesday, March 5, 2008 in the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH. Edmond was born in Keene, NH on November 19, 1929, a son of the late Joseph S. and Mertie B. (Lanigan) Thibodeau. He was a resident of Salem since 2007, formerly living in Londonderry since 1992 and Derry, NH. Edmond graduated from St. Joseph’s Parochial School and Keene High School, and received his bachelor degree from Keene State College and a master degree from UNH. He pursued graduate studies in administration at Harvey Mudd and Claremont McKenna Colleges. A veteran of the US Army, he served in Korea as a tank commander and received the Bronze Star and a Presidential Citation. Edmond started his teaching career in 1957 in Salem where he was a teacher of chemistry and physics, a Science Dept. Head, and later a Curriculum Coordinator. In 1977, he was appointed the first Principal of Londonderry High School, until retiring in 1996. He was very active in the NH Interscholastic Athletic Assoc. (NHIAA) having served several terms on the Council, and also served as Chairman of the Football, Cross-Country and Track Committees. In 1986, he was presented with the NHIAA Service Award, and in 2002 was inducted into the NHIAA Hall of Fame. Edmond also served as President of the NE Secondary Principal’s Assoc. He was very active as an official and meet director for track and cross-country at the state and NE levels, and had served on the National Federation of High Schools Track and Cross-Country Rules Committee. In 1987, the US Dept. of Education recognized Londonderry High School for Excellence In Education.
He is survived by three daughters, Sandra J. Griffon of Salem, Norma J. Thibodeau of Port Charlotte, FL, and Diane M. Troisi of Manchester, NH; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one brother, Joseph G. Thibodeau of Richmond, NH; his former wife, Betty (Breed) Thibodeau of Salem and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours were held on Friday, March 7th from 3 – 7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Saturday at 10:00am in St. Jude Parish, 435 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, with cremation following. Memorial contributions may be made to the Londonderry High School Scholarship Fund, 295 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053.