William S. "Bill" Lessard, 82, of Salem, NH, passed away peacefully at home on February 27, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was born in August 1943, in Lawrence MA. He moved to Salem in 1960 and graduated from Woodbury High School, Class of 1961. An outstanding athlete, Bill was captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Barbara (Bulcroft) Lessard. Together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage built on love, devotion, and partnership.

Bill and Barbara raised five children: Laurie Mathews (Jack), Suzanne Miller (Rick), Brigitte Mlocek (Jason), Aimee Lessard (Bill Calabrese), and their beloved son Billy Lessard, who predeceased him in 1995.

A proud and active member of the Salem community, Bill was a founding father of the Salem Rams Organization where he coached for many years. He also played in the Salem Men's Softball League and was instrumental in developing additional softball fields in Salem.

He worked in the transportation industry and retired as a Sales Manager from Consolidated Freightways in 2002. In his retirement years, he worked as a ranger at Windham Country Club.

Bill was a devoted and loving grandfather to Adam, Ryan, and Kaitlin Mathews; Caden and Jared Miller; Baylee, Mackenzie, and Jeremy Mlocek; and Zachary and Ty Morris. One of his greatest joys was attending their sporting and academic events.

He and Barbara shared a love of golf and travel. They traveled throughout Europe, vacationed in the Caribbean and Bermuda, enjoyed cruises, and proudly completed their goal of visiting all 50 states three years ago. Until recent years, they cherished winters at their condo in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Bill was the son of the late William S. Lessard, Sr. and Barbara M. (MacKenzie) Walsh. In addition to his son and parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Barbara A. Cummings and Nancy J. Eckle. He leaves several nieces and nephews and many in-laws.

He was a lifelong Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots fan. Bill was a kind and gentle man who never had a bad word to say about anyone (except perhaps the Yankees). He accepted everyone as they were and lived his life with love, patience, and goodness. He was truly a friend to all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held on Wed. March 4 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thurs. March 5 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, Salem, NH. Please arrive by 9:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Isaiah 58, 472 State Rt. 111, Hampstead, NH 03841 or to Sts. Mary & Joseph Food Pantry, 200 Lawrence Rd. Salem, NH 03079. Checks made payable to Sts. Mary and Joseph and write Food Pantry in the memo line.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com