For high school students from any era, when the bell rang at the end of class that usually meant that the teacher was done with the lesson. Not Leo Allard. For those students who were privileged to have had Mr. Leo Allard for class at Woonsocket High School the lessons he imparted, the knowledge he shared, the wisdom he dispensed and his love of the English language and literature never ended with the sound of the bell. Those lessons were intended by Leo to become part of the lifetime of learning he wished to impart, wished to pass on to every student as his personal mantra. Keep reading, keep writing, keep learning….don’t ever stop. Class might come to an end, learning never does. That was Leo’s lesson. A lesson worth remembering and one to treasure.
Leo J. Allard, 97, an English teacher at Woonsocket High School for over three decades, passed away Tuesday March 10, 2026 at Stillwater Assisted Living Center in Greenville.
Born on November 9, 1928 in Woonsocket he was a son of the late Leo and Alice (Dion) Allard. Leo was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Mathieu) Allard who passed away in April of 1975. Leo is survived by two daughters Marie Kennedy of Cumberland and Louise Allard of Woonsocket. He was the father of the late Christine Lee. Leo was the proud grandfather of Michel Kennedy and great-grandfather of Michael Kennedy, Jr.
Mr. Allard was a graduate of Woonsocket High School, Class of 1946. He received his Bachelor’s degree as a graduate of St. Michael’s College in the Green Mountain State town of Winooski Park, Vermont with the class of 1954. He later earned his Master’s Degree in English closer to home from Rhode Island College.
Mr. Allard was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the late 1940s and early 1950s. He service saw him stationed in Far East in Yokohama, Japan and in Europe at LaRochelle, France. A special highlight for Leo was during leave time he travelled to Rome, Italy during the Holy Year of 1950. He was present at a semi-private audience and met Pope Pius XII while the Holy Father was in residence at the papal summer retreat at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolofo.
Following his service to our country Leo returned to civilian life and his roots in Woonsocket. He began his teaching career at the Pocasset School in Tiverton where he taught English for three years. In 1957 Leo transferred to Woonsocket High School. Leo landed his place in the English department where he would remain for the balance of his storied 35 year career. He was named chairman of the English department in 1969 and served in that capacity for over 20 years until his retirement in 1990. Not one to "officially retire" Leo would spend the next 13 years enjoying a second career as an English substitute teacher at Cumberland High School. Leo’s professional association was as a member of the Woonsocket Teacher’s Guild AFT951.
Leo genuinely loved teaching! His commitment to his students was paramount. Leo deeply believed that education was the key to open the door to lifelong learning, success and enrichment. For Leo being a teacher was not just his job but on a more profound level teaching was Leo’s calling in life, his mission in service to the youth of the hometown he loved.
Leo’s continuing commitment to literacy was attested to by his lifelong support as a friend of the Woonsocket Harris Public Library. Leo’s commitment to the greater community saw him serve as the past chairman of the Woonsocket Harris Library Board of Trustees, the Woonsocket Board of Tenant Affairs and the Council on Human Relations. Additionally he was a former member of the NAACP and a hospice volunteer.
Leo’s Catholic faith was central to his life and for 24 years he was lector and Eucharistic minister at St. Charles Parish in Woonsocket and for 6 years at St. Joan of Arc Church in Cumberland. In recent years Leo also attended St. Joseph Parish in Woonsocket.
Leo’s “curtain call” for community involvement was as a volunteer at the Stadium Theatre as a doorman. It was a job he liked and in his own words, “Doorman is the best underrated and uncredited role in show business”!
Leo will be remembered for his pleasant and kind demeanor, quick and dry wit, good humor and as a good old soul. Leo was a true gentleman.
Everyone is welcome to gather to honor, remember and pray for Leo at his Mass of Christian Burial Saturday April 11th at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church on Mendon Rd. in Woonsocket. Leo will be laid to rest at St. Charles Cemetery in Blackstone,
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Woonsocket Harris Public Library, 303 Clinton St. Woonsocket, RI 02895.
Arrangements are in care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
www.menardfuneralhome.com