Claude Lessard

Hardwick- Claude Lessard died Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at UMass Hospital after a short illness. His sons, Steve, Mike and wife Suzanne were at his side as he passed peacefully. Claude of Hardwick, Mass., was born March 31, 1941, in St. Ephrem de Beauce, Canada, the son of the late Côme and Alice Lessard. He married Hélène Trépanier Oct. 5, 1963. Hélène passed away September 7, 1997. He was fortunate to meet and marry Suzanne Blais of Hardwick, his best friend and ray of sunshine to the family.

He was preceded in death by his brother Roger who passed away at the age of two. He is survived by his sons, Steve Lessard (Susan Hall) and Michael Lessard (Megan Leonard); grandchildren, Cameron, Justen Helene and Luke; stepdaughters, Julie Quink and Linda Papineau; step-grandchildren: Isabella, Aaron, Jasper, Brooke and Emily; brothers, Michel (Diane), Gérard (Sylvie), Bernard (Jocelyne) and Jean-Yves (Marcelle); and sisters, Micheline (Donald) and Christiane (Benoit); and many nephews and nieces.

Claude left school at a young age to work on the family farm in St. Ephrem, that produced dairy and maple syrup. It was there that he learned a strong work ethic and the skills that would lead him to work in Maine, as a logger. His limited education did not stop him from being a successful worker and businessman. Eventually, he moved to Connecticut, where he raised his family and became a sheet rocker. After twelve years of hard work, he became a superintendent in commercial drywall. In 1992, he and his sons formed Delta Commercial Interiors, still retaining many of the original employees after 30 years, all of which admired Claude's work ethic and his appreciation for his workers.

Claude was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed being on the water, fishing with his sons, golfing, gardening and spending time with his family.

A wake will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, at Thomas L. Neilan and Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, in Niantic. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be shared at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.  Cebula Funeral Home of Ware, Massachusetts was in charge of the local arrangements.  For more information and online guest book, please visit:  www.cebulafuneralhome.com .

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