COL Paul F. Lessard

Paul Francis Lessard devoted his life to the service of the United States and the United States Marine Corps, serving his nation with honor for 35 years. Affectionately known among Marine tankers as the “Godfather of Tanks,” he was widely respected as a leader, mentor, and dedicated Marine who embodied the Corps’ highest traditions.

A graduate of Hampton Academy in Hampton, New Hampshire, Paul distinguished himself early as the quarterback of the school’s undefeated 1948 state championship football team. He later answered the call to military service, embarking on a Marine Corps career that included combat tours in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, he served with armored units providing critical battlefield support, exemplifying courage, discipline, and steadfast leadership.

Colonel Lessard served at 19 duty stations over the course of his career and was decorated on fourteen occasions. He retired as a Colonel of Marines, having served as Chief of Staff at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where he had attended Officer Candidate School twenty seven years earlier.

Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was married for 61 years to his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dotty” Quintal Lessard, with whom he raised three children.

In retirement, he continued a life of service through local politics, leadership in his church, and volunteer work with organizations including the Navy Relief Society, the Visiting Nurses Association, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

A proud “Mustang” Marine with a deep affection for “his Marines,” Colonel Lessard was, above all, a patriot whose life reflected duty, faith, and devotion to others. He passed away peacefully on May 30, 2017, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with Agent Orange induced Parkinson's.