Concord, New Hampshire
1929 - 2011
CONCORD - Lionel Earle DeLacey (Dicey to some old friends), 82, died Dec. 5, 2011, after a period of declining health.He was born on Oct. 4, 1929, in Berlin, the son of Leon and Ena (Studd) DeLacey. He graduated from Berlin High School and attended Plymouth State College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1952.
Lionel continued with his education, earning a master's degree in English in 1962. He worked toward a doctoral degree at Harvard College and Northeastern University, earning a certificate of advanced graduate studies. He went on to spend more than 35 years as a New Hampshire public school educator.
He began his teaching career in Amherst, where he served as a teacher and then as a teaching principal. Lionel moved to Concord, where he raised his family and taught at Rumford Elementary School, Rundlett Junior High School and Garrison Elementary School, where he was also a principal. Lionel retired from Beaver Meadow Elementary School in Concord in 1990.
During his career, Lionel was a dedicated member of NEA New Hampshire and spent many years negotiating teaching contracts. He worked to improve the quality of education for New Hampshire's children, families and teachers.
Later in life, Lionel enjoyed traveling with his children and friends across the United States and to Italy and France. Lionel's greatest joy was spending time on Lake Winnisquam with his grandchildren.
Lionel is survived by his wife of 52 years, Genevieve "Gena" DeLacey; four children, Catherine Hellreich and husband Jay of Connecticut, Elissa DeLacey of Concord, Michael DeLacey and wife Rita of New Jersey, and Thomas DeLacey of Bedford; seven grandchildren, Jonathan Hellreich, Kristen Hellreich, Allison Hellreich, Brittany Hellreich, Cassandra DeLacey, Avery DeLacey and Joseph Thomas "JT" DeLacey; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by son Joseph DeLacey.
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SERVICES: Calling hours at Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main St., Concord, are Thursday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John Church, 72 South Main St., Concord, on Friday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Home Base at Massachusetts General Hospital or to the Plymouth State College Class of 1952 Teacher Education Scholarships endowment fund.
I'm terribly sorry to hear of the death of Mr. DeLacey. My heart goes out to his family.
I was a 6th grade student of his at Garrison School in Concord in the early 80's. He was an inspiration.
God bless your family!
Kimberly Palmer
December 16, 2011 | Epsom, NH
My condolences to the Delacey family.
When my mother and I moved from Connecticut to New Hampshire in 1979, and I attended Garrison Elem. When I reached his 6th grade level, he helped me through difficult times and offered a firm hand and strong guidance.
We would meet again many years later as Brother Knights within the Knights of Columbus, and he still had the warm smile and generous laughter.
Your family is blessed to have had such a great man in your lives.
Glenn P. Camley
December 08, 2011 | Boscawen, NH
My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Delacey's family. I was a grade 6 student in Mr. Delacey's class at Garrison School in 1973. He was passionate about model kits and knew how important it was to keep our hands as busy as our minds! I still remember episodes from his science class!
David A. Stevenson MD
December 08, 2011 | Concord, NH
Gena, Tom, Lisa, Michael and Cathy - I was so heartbroken to hear about your loss. I will always remember Dicey at the Lake with a goofy grin and a twinkle in his eye. He was one of the good guys. You were all lucky to have had him in your lives. My sincere condolences.
Kristen Gardiner
December 07, 2011 | Gilford, NH
Dear Tom:
Please accept my sincere condolences upon the loss of your father. As you know, I lost my dad this past March. It is never easy to find the right words to say at such a sad time, but please know that your mom and entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless all of you,
Dave Anzel
David D. Anzel, DDS
December 07, 2011 | Nashua, NH
My condolences. I have fond memories of my time spent with Dicey and the entire DeLacey Clan. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Eileen (Grant) Marsh
December 06, 2011 | San Diego, CA
Sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Mr. Delacey from 5th & 6th grade Garrison school. He was a fun teacher.
Maureen Richards
December 06, 2011 | Concord, NH
Lisa, our sympathies to you and your family. The Staff at Hillside Middle School, Manchester, NH
December 06, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss, I had Mr. Delacey has a teacher at Garrison Elementary School.
December 06, 2011 | Laconia, NH