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Paul Lessard Obituary
Lessard graduated from Hampton Academy where he played on the undefeated football team that won the State Championship in 1948 with his best buddy, Donnie Walker. He was married to Dorothy Quintal Lessard for 61 years and together they raised three children; Paul J. Lessard of High Point, N.C., Beth Schottman of Lenexa, Kan., and Sharon Folan of Austin, Texas. He was also a loving and doting grandfather of seven and a great-grandfather of three.
During his retirement years in Hampton, Lessard served in local politics as Town Moderator; in leadership at his church, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal where he ushered and was an officer in the Holy Name Society. COL Lessard was an active member of the Hampton's American Legion Post 35 where he served in leadership and greatly enjoyed the fellowship of his brothers-in-arms.
The Colonel enlisted in 1951 as a PFC and rose up through the ranks, attending Officer Candidate School via the "Meritorious Noncommissioned Officer Program" and later graduated from both the Armored Officers Career Course at Ft. Knox, Ky., and the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va. Throughout his career, in which he was affectionately known as the "Godfather of the Tank Corps," he was proud to be a hard charging "Mustang" who held a deep commitment to and affection for "his Marines." He served in 19 duty stations and was decorated on 14 occasions including two Legion of Merits with Combat "V" for gallantry in combat and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Lessard retired from active service as Colonel of Marines serving as Chief of Staff at Quantico Marine Base where he attended Officer's Candidate School 27 years prior.
Colonel Lessard was a patriot, loving husband, devoted father, loyal son and brother, and a United States Marine through and through, who was, to the very end "Always Faithful."
The Lessard family want to extend their love and thanks to the Staff at Edgewood Centre of Portsmouth for their exceptional care and to his beloved caregivers; Maureen, Renee, Shay, Shirley, Stacy, Mary, Connie, Ronda and especially Meredith "Angel" who so loving cared for the Colonel in the last years of his life.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., on Monday, June 5, 2017, in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home - Crematory, 811 Lafayette Rd., Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m., on Tuesday, June 6, 2017m in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 289 Lafayette Rd., Hampton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial with military honors will follow in the High Street Cemetery, Hampton. In lieu of flowers the family has requested you send memorial contributions to: American Legion Post 35 c/o: NH, 69 High St., Hampton, NH, 03842 or Compassionate Hospice Care c/o: 180 Orchard Dr., Unit 4, Londonderry, NH, 03053. Please visit www.RemickGendron.com to view Paul's memorial website, sign his tribute wall or for directions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Lessard
Thomas Knowles
May 29, 2023
Rest in peace Paul.
Tom Knowles
Foxtrot Company Basic School 3-57
Joseph Criscione Sr.
May 25, 2023
God Rest His Soul. He was a Great Marine and a Very Good Person. We served together Co. "C" 1st Tank Bn, Camp Pendelton CA. Back in the 60's
Joseph Criscione Sr.
May 26, 2022
We served together back in 1959. He was our Executive Officer, Company "C" 1stTkBn, Camp Pendelton, CA. He was the "Best of the Best". I was proud to serve with him.
Jim Bathurst
May 25, 2021
Take Charge sir!
Col. Dennis Beal USMC (ret)
May 25, 2021
Sir: I was one of your Lieutenants. You were an inspiration to me then as you are now. I was never so afraid of anyone as I was of you. You were patient and demanding on the lieutenants in AOB 1- 77 and as you told us when we finally graduated. " There has never been a group of Lts. that raised more hell than your four did and I'm glad you crazys are getting out of here". We loved you sir. I went on to serve 28 years in the Corps but all of my accomplishments during that entire period of time pale in comparison to your magnificent record.
I will see you again someday and we will traverse the heavens land together in our tank.
Jerry USMC retired Corcoran
May 25, 2019
A great American... will say a prayer this Memorial Day, I served with the COLONEL 9 th MCD truly loved and respected him. I am sure hes Commanding a tank Battalion in heaven, God Bless you Colonel and his family
John Studenka
May 28, 2018
God bless this giant of a Man and a Marine! Semper Fi, Colonel. Love and all the best too Dottie and the entire Lessard clan on this Memorial Day.
Charles Driest
June 15, 2017
Col Lessard was the finest Marine Leader and mentor I ever served. He was truly a second father to me and I will truly miss him and the sage advice he gave to me over the course of my Marine Corps career. A true giant in my book.
June 14, 2017
We Marines hold our history and our legends dear. Colonel Lessard made much of that history, and was one of those legends. I don't know of a Marine Tanker who either didn't know Colonel Lessard or hadn't heard the many, many, Lessard stories. As a Marine of 31 years, I was blessed to learn the business of being a Marine at the knee of Colonel Paul Lessard. He was a teacher, mentor and leader - a rare combination in one man. The Colonel and Dottie will always have a special place in Maureen's and my heart. Heaven is undoubtedly much more squared away today, but there is a deep hole here on our beloved Earth. God bless the Lessard family, and all the Marines who were blessed to have served with this Giant of a man.
Colonel John M. Studenka, USMC (Ret)
Mike Wilman
June 13, 2017
God bless the Col. And his family! The Col. Was my CO at 2nd Tank Bn. 73 & 74. He left a life long impression. Semper Fi!
Jerry Corcoran
June 12, 2017
i was fortunate to be stationed with Col. Lessard in Shawnee Mission, KS at 9th Marine Corps District, how we all admired and respected him. truly a leader of Marines.
June 12, 2017
Mrs. Lessard (Dottie), I will never forget the Col as he was one of the greatest tankers and Leaders of tankers and young Marines that I ever knew. he spent a lot of time at the Tank Park at 2nd Tanks when I was the Maintenance Officer. We had a lot of discussions on tank maintenance and tank leadership of young Tank Offices. He wanted the young officers to know everything about a tank and all it's capabilities along with the tank crews. Margaret and I send you our heartfelt condolence. Fair winds and following seas sir. Major W. E. Southerland USMC Retired, Jacksonville, FL
Col Jim Bathurst, USMC (Ret(
June 12, 2017
The Colonel was my boss for a short time when he was the Director, 9th Marine Corps District, and I was CO RS, Chicago. While I only served under him a short period, he made a lasting impression on me. God Bless you sir, and Semper Fi!
Charlie Tyrian
June 12, 2017
Colonel Lessard - A Legend in our Marine Corps. An exceptional leader in combat, a sterling role model for us to follow, and a flawless sense of kind and targeted humor, you made a difference in the lives of so many of us. We thank you, we miss you, and we will meet again my brother ....and hopefully we have measured up to your impeccably high standards. Semper Fi!, Keep Charging, Colonel Charlie Tyrian, USMC (Ret.)
Joe Criscione
June 9, 2017
Rest in Peace Sir, I was honored to serve with you back in the 60's Company "C" First Tank Bn.
Col Dennis Beal USMC (ret)
June 8, 2017
As a tanker for almost 30 years I know of no one who had more of an impact on young tank officers than the colonel. He was giant in the Marine Corps Tank Community. We have now lost one of our legends and a genuine hero to all of us who served with him. Fair winds and following seas sir. Col. Dennis Beal USMC (ret) (Fender Bender)
David DiPaola
June 8, 2017
A great Marine! A true leader who was loyal, proud and "Always Faithful" to his men and his beloved Corps! He will be missed but never forgotten by all Marine Tankers who knew him and served with him. Rest in Peace, Colonel!
Scot Briggs
June 7, 2017
During his time as the Chief of Staff at Quantico, all he needed to know about me was that l was a tank officer. With that he readily offered me his generosity and support. Thank you, Sir. Rest in peace.
William Osborne
June 6, 2017
Colonel, may you have fair winds and following seas on your final journey. Your Communication Officer 2nd Tanks 1974-1975 WV Osborne.
Dan Miller
June 6, 2017
As a new 2nd Lt. Going through the Army Tank School, Col Lessard was our daddy. I can remember him calling out to us in that New England accent whenever we went to the office. "Milla come in heah". This legend molded many a Marine Tank Officer and sent him on his way to the FMF. He was without doubt one finest leaders that I had the opportunity to serve. Fair winds and following seas Colonel.
Ray Johnson
June 6, 2017
A great Marine and a great man. I was his Logistics Chief at the Recruiting Station, Kansas City when he was a Major. (1960's). We had an excellent Relationship, professionally and socially. He was a Marine of Marines. A Marine would give 110% to him because of his personality. I wish the Lessard family the best under the most difficult and challenging times. May God find a place for him when he arrives in heaven.
Semper Fidelis
Ray C. Johnson
MGySgt USMC, Retired
Ray Johnson
June 6, 2017
As a young SSgt in the Marines, I was the Logisics Chief for Colonel (then a Major) Lessard at thr Recruiting Station, Kansas City, Mo. There were many events that I had very close relations wth the Colonel such as funeral details and parades, He was a Marine that one gave 110% to him. One made every effort to give more than what was expected from him because of his personality. May God make good use of him in Heaven. As he would say, " Lead, follow,or get out of the way. I wish the best for Dottie and the rest of the family in such a challenging time.
Semper Fi Colonel
Ray C. Johnson
MGySgt, USMC, Retired
AB Henley
June 5, 2017
Paul and family- We are so sorry for loss of your father. We so appreciate his service to our country and are praying for your whole family..Our love, The AB Henley Family
June 4, 2017
To Mrs. Lessard, Joey, Beth and Sharon: My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all of you and your families. While I only knew you all a short time when you stayed at your house on Colby St in Hampton I knew the dedication that your husband and father, Colonel Lessard, had not only for our Country, but especially for his family. I wish peace and happiness to all of you knowing that he gave his best in all that, he did in his life for the betterment of others. Ted.
Ty Trainor
June 4, 2017
A great man, Marine, tanker and friend. There are none better.
Jeremy Hurley
June 4, 2017
Thank you eternally for your service. We may not have met, yet if not for your bravery and service, WE may not as yet be here to acknowledge and celebrate our freedom.
Thank you from a family member of those in the military. Semper Fidelis
June 4, 2017
Dotty & Family, your husband/father was an amazing, kind, generous man I have ever met. Dottie you & Col helped so many military families esp at the Shipyard. To see it first hand each week and watch folks leave feeling loved & cared for made me smile.
I remember Colonel saying call me Paul & I looked at him & said are you crazy!! He laughed and no I never did...Fly high Colonel...
Jeff Wilkinson USMC (Ret)
June 4, 2017
42 years ago,I was introduced to the "God Father" of Marine Armor as a newly minted Lt while attending the officers Basic Armor course at Ft Knox. Followed by two glorious years as one of his 9th District Officer Selection Officers - Sir, will still have to discuss that "GIFT" when we meet again! :) And, my wife and I were introduced to the finest example of a Marine Bride in "Dot" Lessard. Their Mentorship thru the years has guided my entire family! The legacy and impact the Colonel has left all of us will endure for generations. Thank you sir for your leadership, mentorship and commitment to God, Corps and Country. Dot, so glad we had a chance to talk last week. Love to you and my most sincere condolences. Semper Fidelis. Jeff Wilkinson USMC Tanker Ret
Kate Caithness
June 3, 2017
My thoughts are with Aunt Dotty and the rest of the family. Uncle Paul will be missed.
Col. Gerard Boyle
June 2, 2017
Paul Lessard was one of the most dynamic leaders that I have ever known. He was the Tank Bn. Commander when I was the Aide de Camp to the Commanding General. I believe that he knew the name of each of his 800 Marines. He also knew their hometown. Small in stature he was a giant of a man. Ubiquitous smile, boundless energy, astute, compassionate, dedicated, inspirational . . . He was a Legend of the Corps. I know that the General considered him to be the best of his Battalion Commanders. Paul is the essence of Semper Fidelis.
Edwin Kiefner
June 2, 2017
Paul showed his Christian faith daily. He was one of my favorite Marine pals. Semper Fi
Edwin Kiefner
Foxtrot Company 3-57
Michelle Lessard
June 2, 2017
I love you Uncle Paul and I am especially grateful for the time we shared the past few years. You know I won't stop talking with you... your guidance will always be welcomed and appreciated!
christopher Leary
June 1, 2017
Uncle Paul I will never forget you helping me when I needed to pall bear Marie's casket. love you and I will miss you.
Gene and Janice Meredith
June 1, 2017
To Dotty and Col. Lessard's family: our sincere condolences May the Lord guide you through your grief. Col. Lessard will always be remembered by Gene and me. He and Dotty were so open and kind when we checked into Ft. Knox as 2ndLt and wife to go through AOB 1978. Semper Fi
Bob & Cathy Mark
June 1, 2017
Thank you for your service, our prayers to you & family it was a privilege and honor to have known you Colonel.
James Barrington
June 1, 2017
Paul was a fine gentleman. It was an honor and privilege to know him. He will be deeply missed.
June 1, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy and family. Semper Fi,Bill Bergin
Melody Price
June 1, 2017
Rest In Peace sir. Your job here is done
Judith Vogt Miller
June 1, 2017
Rest in Peace in His arms, Uncle Paul. and Semper Fi, Sir. ♥
June 1, 2017
Semper Fi... May the good Lord keep you in the palm of His hand...
John McNicholas
Foxtrot Company, 3-57
howard london
June 1, 2017
Goodbye old buddy, rest in peace.
Howard London, Foxtrot, 3-57
May 31, 2017
The Officer's Basic Class of 3-57 sends its prayers for Paul''s eternal rest. Semper Fidelas and God Bless you.
May 31, 2017
Rest In Peace, Colonel......
The McCoole Family
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