Ernest E. Lessard, 85, of Dean St. died Saturday at home. He was the husband of Pauline (Delisle) Lessard. They were married for 59 Years.
Born February 19, 1924 in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late Eugene and Elsie (Donahoe) Lessard. He was a lifelong city resident. Mr. Lessard was educated in St. Louis Parochial School, graduated from Mount Saint Charles Academy, Class of 1942, and attended Rhode Island School of Design.
He served in World War II in the 910th Field Artillery Battalion of the 85th Custer Division, the first all-draftee division to be sent into combat. He was a gunner corporal in a 105 M/M Howitzer, and was awarded a purple heart medal for wounds received in action on May 10, 1944 in the Battle of Minturno, Italy.
He was employed for nine years by the Woonsocket Housing Authority until his retirement in 1987. Previously he was employed as an overseer for twenty six years in the combing department of the former Branch River Wool Combing Co. in North Smithfield.
Besides his wife he leaves four sons, Gerard A. of Cumberland, Maurice A. and his wife Robin of Uxbridge, Ernest L. and his wife Sharon of Woonsocket, and Normand E. of Indiana; two daughters Pauline A. and Annette L. of Woonsocket; a brother Reverend Eugene R. Lessard of North Scituate, pastor emeritus of Holy Spirit Parish in Central Falls; and three grandchldren Kylie, Ethan, and Nicole. He was also the father of the late Raymond E. Lessard who was valedictorian for the class of 1974 at Mount St. Charles Academy. He was also the brother of the late George C. Lessard and Pauline Brodeur.
His funeral will be held Friday at 9:00 AM from the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home, 99 Cumberland St. Woonsocket, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 Am in All Saints Church, Rathbun St. Woonsocket. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Precious Blood Cemetery. Visiting hours are Thursday 6:30-8:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donations to VNS of Greater RI , 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Lincoln, RI 02865 or American Parkinson Disease Assoc. Inc. RI Chapter, PO Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940 would be appreciated