On Saturday early morning July 16, Robert Joseph Lessard, 82, went to be with Jesus. He had a seven-year battle with dementia. He ran the race with love, grace and dignity. 

He was born in Williamstown, Vt., on March 28, 1940. He was the oldest son to Arthur and Annette (Larose) Lessard. He had five siblings. He graduated from St. Michael’s and went to the Army. After the U.S. Army he settled in Bristol, and raised a family. He had a 30-year career at General Electric. He is known for his joyful spirit and contagious laugh and love for life. He loved to help people fix things with his gift of carpentry.  Going to breakfast was one of his favorite things to do. He loved conversation amongst friends and family most. 

He is survived by his two children, Diana Lauben and husband Steven, their children Jacob, Adam and Hope Renae Robert Lessard and wife Kristen and their children, Cody and Kylie Lawrence and Claire Lessard, Leo and Bonnie Lessard, Norbert and Jill Lessard and Helen and Anthony D’Agostino. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Gabrielle Lessard Kelly and brother-in-law Tom Kelly. He was also predeceased by his wife Carolyn Lessard and survived by her daughter Lisa Mashia and husband Mark and their children, Madison, Jordyn and Jillian.

Even though our hearts experience great sadness, we know, as he made it clear he had the hope and knowledge that he would be with the Lord in Heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Church, 235 Maltby St, Bristol.  Burial, with military honors, will be in the State of Connecticut Veteran’s Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown at 12 noon. There are no calling hours. 

Please visit Bob’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.