Lionel Richard Anthony, 78, of Derry, NH died on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Lionel was born in Concord, MA on December 13, 1947, the son of the late Frances (Curra) and Richard Lionel Anthony. Lionel had been a resident of Derry for 56 years, formerly of Bedford, MA. Lionel is survived by his wife, Anita Bertelli Anthony of Derry; his two sons; Richard Lionel Anthony (Sanaz) and Thomas Alexander Anthony; two daughters: Jennifer Marie Anthony Waller (Ryan) and Christine Elizabeth Anthony Ferrelli (Michael); nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and his brother Phillip Anthony (Jan).
Lionel, an educator for 38 years teaching at St. Mary’s High School in Lawrence, MA, Salem High School in Salem, MA and ending his career at Marblehead High School as an AP Math and Computer Science teacher.
Lionel was a quiet force of nature driven by a deep moral code that was both humble and gracious. A graduate of Boston College earning Master Degrees in Mathematics and Education, and Certificate in Computer Sciences. Lionel turned his interests toward the martial arts earning numerous black belts, trained in Japan taking his calm approach to teach youngsters of various ranks the disciplined and controlled art.
Lionel was an avid hiker and camper. He completed the entire New England section of the Appalachian Trail and scaled all 4,000 footers twice with his wife and young daughters. Along the way, he became an enthusiastic birder whereupon he discovered a rare bird that was featured in the annual Audubon birding magazine.
Lionel enjoyed researching his ancestry by tracing his family’s journey from Scotland and he was a supporter of the New Hampshire Scots making the annual trek to the Scottish Festival at Loon Mountain.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 21st from 4 - 7pm at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 22nd 10:00am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, stjude.org