Richard Joseph Lessard, born June 2, 1964, a lifelong resident of Brockton, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024, from complications of myasthenia gravis while under the gentle care of staff at Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain. He was 59.
Richard, known to family and close friends as Bachi, is survived by his only son Jonathan Lessard of Middleborough, MA, his life partner Michele Lesha and her son Ted, his twin siblings Carolyn Lessard of Brooklyn, NY and Peter Lessard of West Warwick, RI, as well as an extensive list of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Richard Dennis Lessard and Kathleen Helen (Fitzmaurice) Lessard.
Bachi graduated Brockton High School in 1982 and did a short stretch at UMass Lowell before beginning his professional career at Brookfield Engineering, a leading manufacturer of viscosity measurement equipment, based in Middleborough. Bachi repaired and maintained viscometers and trained service technicians in this skill. His work often took him overseas to England, Germany, Poland, Hong Kong and Singapore.
For the most part, Bachi liked to stay local. He could often be found at home, tinkering with his latest gadget, hanging out in the garage, or sunbathing and barbecuing in the backyard. He was also gifted in the electrical arts and was always willing to offer his wiring services or lend a tool to friends and family.
He maintained close relationships with childhood friends but was always willing to expand his friend circle. He knew the names of everyone he came into contact with, from the cashiers at Cumberland Farms and Trucchi’s, to the staff at the tanning salon he frequented. He also knew the names of all his caregivers and details of their lives. He simply cared about people. He had an impact on everyone he encountered, most notably a choking Australian tourist seated nearby while he dined at a restaurant in Hong Kong. He administered the Heimlich maneuver and dislodged the obstruction in her throat.
Bachi loved country and blues music. Jelly Roll and Chris Stapleton were among his favorite performers. He loved to cook. He recreated family favorites like clam chowder and potato salad; but his custom brownie recipe was legendary.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street. (Rte 123) Brockton, on Tuesday, April 23 from 4-7pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, April 24 at 10am, followed by burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater.