LESSARD, RET. DEACON JOSEPH A.
Ret. Deacon Joseph A. Lessard, 94, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Joe was born on July 16, 1926 in Chelmsford, MA, the son of Leonile and Cora Lessard. His parents preceded him in death as did seven of his ten siblings: Edmond, Alfred, Rita, Doris, Esther, Yvette, and Jean. He married his sweetheart, Beatrice Mary Lessard on June 10, 1950 in Graniteville, MA and she preceded him in death on November 28, 2018. He is survived by his six children Michael, Susan, Barbara, Karen (Henry) Register of Scottsdale and their son Matthew; Richard Lessard of Scottsdale; and Janet (Dean) McAthie of Carmel, California and their children Emilia and Audrey. He is also survived by his sisters, Lucie, Pauline, and Theresa, plus 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A United States Navy veteran, Joe enlisted on his seventeenth birthday. He served his country for four years during World War II in the South Pacific on the USS Tarawa as a gunner on torpedo planes. Joe loved a funny joke, whistling a tune, and savoring a good cigar. Always generous, he would give you the cash in his wallet, the first sip of his cold beverage, or the handkerchief in his pocket. His idea of relaxation was fresh-water fishing or watching planes take off and land at a nearby airport. Joe had an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for carpentry which led him to build his family’s first home in Groton, MA. When he and Bea moved to Phoenix, AZ, Joe worked for The O’Malley Lumber Company and later founded the Aztec Door Company, which grew to become the largest in the southwest. His custom mahogany doors are still prevalent in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. Joe would later help oversee construction for the upgrades of the Mount Claret Retreat Center, a place very dear to his heart.
Devoted to his faith, Joe experienced a spiritual conversion which changed the direction of his life. It included further calling into the permanent Catholic diaconate for married men. He was ordained into the first Deacon’s class by Bishop McCarthy at SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral on May 29, 1972. Deacon Joe served parishes, developed prayer ministries, gave retreats, and led many people in the exercises of St. Ignatius in the U.S. and Canada. In retirement his ministry continued to flourish as a chaplain to the sick at Kindred Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital, where he also served on the ethics board. He was beloved for his commitment to providing funeral services for anyone in need, often several each week. Joe’s gentle nature, love for people, and giving spirit will be greatly missed. He will be remembered as a wonderful storyteller and for always giving poignant fatherly advice. He was admired for his devotion to God, his children and his wife, especially during her extended illness. We will miss his warm smile and soft, comforting hands. We love you, Dad – you will remain in our hearts forever. Love Always, Karen, Richard & Janet
Vigil Service: Thursday, April 8, 2021 | 5:00-8:00 pm, Service at 6:00 pm | Whitney Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E.
Indian School Rd, Phoenix. Funeral Mass: Friday, April 9, 2021 | 10:00 am | Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic
Church, 7655 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Interment following at St. Francis Cemetery (Mausoleum) | 2033 N. 48th St,
Phoenix. Reception following at Mount Claret Retreat Ctr. | 4633 N. 54th St., Phoenix
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Flowers can be sent to Whitney Murphy Funeral Home.
Donations can be made to Mount Claret Retreat Center.
Papa Joe was the best father in law you could have. He always loved and supported me. He was always interested in what I was involved in and how my golf game was. I felt happy and at peace when I was with him. Thank you Papa Joe for your love and knowledge.I will miss you and always love you.
DEEPEST SYMPATHY
LOVE MARILOU AND GLENN TOMBLIN
In 1983, after a spiritual awakening, God answered my prayers to serve Him by calling me out of Michigan to Arizona, where I met the delightfully charismatic Deacon Joseph Lessard and his School of Faith. He led our community with a contagious laugh and mischievous grin, inspiring us with his knowledge of scripture and his unwavering commitment to God. I am profoundly changed by this faithful man and blessed to have known him.
All our condolences to the family. We have known Mr. Lessard for a year in 1978-79, in Canada, and what a difference he made into our lives! His love of God and great humanity bas been an example for us that we are still trying to emulate today. What a great man of God!
Sweet Joe blessed my unborn daughter 17 years ago…. it felt like just yesterday- the comfort and love he made me feel….. gave me unbelievable peace of mind.
loving , warm hearted, caring and kind are just of few of the many emotions that come to mind when I picture this beautiful man. No doubt he is in heaven dancing w his equally lovely wife Bea.
Missed but never forgotten- I feel blessed to have been able to know you Joe.
Sending love to your entire family – from ours.
Sincerely – Goldbergs from Carmel
Deepest sympathies to each and everyone of you.
Wish we could have been with you in person.
Que Jésus vous bénisse +++