Lionel F. Dichard, 79 November 14, 1943 - July 4, 2023

HAVERHILL – Lionel F. Dichard, 79, of Haverhill, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 4, with family at his home.

He was born November 14, 1943, the sixth child of eight, to Alfred and Helen (Hume) Dichard. Len, or Butch, as he was known to his family and friends lived in Haverhill his entire life. He was educated in the Haverhill School system and graduated from the sheet metal program of Haverhill Trade School, Class of 1961.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Army where he served as a tank commander with the 3^rdArmored Cavalry Kaiserslautern Germany for two years. After working in the sheet metal trade, he became employed by Western Electric, later AT&T, and Lucent Technologies where he became a master electrician and worked for 36 years.

In 1989 he met Jane Anthony of Madison, NH., formally of Willimantic, CT.  They were married in 1993 after having to delay their wedding a day due to the snowstorm of the decade. They enjoyed over 30 years together with family and friends. Len loved golfing, playing cards, antiquing, and many other fun activities.  He was very proud of collecting and completing the entire set of 1959 baseball cards and his classic 1982 red corvette.  He also enjoyed traveling. Highlights of travel included trips to Hawaii, Amsterdam, France, and Las Vegas, as well as three trips to California to support his granddaughter Elise in the National American Miss pageants.  While in France he visited the beaches of Normandy and the WWII cemetery which had a profound impact on him.  Len also loved his sports.  He was an avid Red Sox, Patriots and UConn Women’s Basketball fan!!

During the last 15 years, Len faced many health issues including cancer and two strokes in 2014. He made the very best of his condition, still telling his funny stories and quirky jokes, bringing smiles to everyone’s face. He lived at home with Jane throughout, and they received much support from their family and close circle of friends.  Len was a very kind, thoughtful and generous man, loved by all who came to know him. He will be greatly missed.

Len is survived by his loving and devoted wife Jane Anthony Dichard; sisters Rita Vaiksnovas, of Belleview FL, Carol and her husband Charles Boule, of Haverhill, and Mary and her husband Edmund Nelson, of Haverhill. Brother-in-law Jeffrey Anthony and Marie Larmie of Auburn, NH.,Stepson Gregory Vertefeuille and his wife Shellene of Columbia, CT., Granddaughter Elise (Vertefeuille) Podermanski and her husband Martin and great-grandchildren Adalyn Jane and Blake Martin Podermanski, of Glastonbury CT., Grandson Shane Vertefeuille and his wife Rebecca, of Andover CT. He is also survived by a Granddaughter Shantelle Dichard and Grandson Adrian Dichard of Raymond, NH, and their mother Kathleen Morneau, a former wife Sandra Dichard and their son Barry Dichard. Len leaves behind several nieces and nephews, and his many special friends who were always there for him throughout the years.

Len is predeceased by his parents Alfred and Helen (Hume) Dichard, sisters Grace and her husband Robert Eaton, Lucille and her husband Charles Penta, Helen and her husband Charles Batchelder; brother Alfred and his wife Patricia Dichard; and brother-in-law Anthony Vaiksnovas.

ARRANGEMENTS:  Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, July 15 from 11:00AM until 12:00PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home 486 Main Street, Haverhill, MA. Memorial donations can be made in his name to the Friends of Dana-Farber, 450 Brookline Ave., SW120, Boston, MA 02215;or the Charlie Penta Scholarship Fund, c/o Sean Gleason, 33 Cedarcrest Lane, Bradford, MA 01835.  Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com