Edward A. Dichard Jr.

Edward A. Dichard Jr., 82, of Nashua passed away on Friday, September 23, 2011 at the Courville Nursing Home surrounded by his family.

Edward was born in Nashua on June 12, 1929, a son of the late Edward A., Sr. and Christine (Rodgers) Dichard. He was the husband of Rita (Berube) Dichard of Nashua.

Ed was a 1948 graduate of Nashua High School, entering into the Air Force shortly after. He married his high school sweetheart, Rita on May 7, 1949 in San Antonio, TX and was blessed with 62 years of marital bliss along with 6 children who he was very proud of. While attending high school, Ed played football for Buzz Harvey, but due to an injury in his first game, his football career was short lived. This did not deter him from attending the NH Football Champion bowl game in 1946 in Jacksonville, Fl. on crutches. After his military duties, Ed worked at Multiple Products, The Tannery and started a 32 year career at Impco/Ingersoll Rand. Working from sheet metal technician, road service and retiring as foreman of the sheet metal department. He made many dear friends and was well respected by his workers. He belonged to the Nashua Lodge of Elks #720, the American Legion, Lafayette Club, the Hudson Seniors and AARP. Ed had many interests but his love of sports came second to his family. His sports interest spanned 25 years of coaching and officiating in baseball, basketball and football. He was a NHBO (baseball), NHIAABO (basketball) and NHFOA (football) along with USSSA (softball) official for the state of NH. Ed’s interest in baseball led him to initiate with Mayor Vagge and other city dignitaries and the Lafayette Club and many interested parents the first Little League Park in south Nashua on Ledge St. He helped coach and umpire in the league before becoming a NH Board member and umpired for the Nashua Leagues, NH High Schools and USSSA teams for 20 years. Basketball led him to 25 years of coaching and officiating the city leagues and the CYO and high school games becoming a NHIAABO NH basketball official. He was named CYO Deanery Director by Fr. Crosby during his dedication this sport. Ed spent many a day coaching the Pop Warner program. His Sunday afternoons were spent officiating at Holman Stadium. At age 30, Ed became a NH Board member of NHFOA. During his 25 years as a member, he became president and during his tenure, helped organize a Commissioner type of football assignment that is being used to this day. While his years in this field he was proud to have been chosen to officiate at the Shriners NH/VT interstate game held at Dartmouth College. For all his dedication and services, Ed received the Manchester Union Leader “Referee of the Year” by honoring him with the John R. Clark officials’ memorial award at the Parade of Champion Banquet in 2001. This award was the highlight of his career in officiating. His other interests included spending summers with his large family at his getaway in Northwood Lake and winters in Myrtle Beach where he enjoyed playing golf. His love of travel brought him through the US, Europe and the Caribbean. He will be sadly missed! Job well done Ed!

Besides his wife, Ed is survived by:

Five sons; Michael Dichard and his wife Cyndi, Steve Dichard and his wife Colleen, Allen Dichard and his wife Louise all of Nashua, Thomas Dichard and his wife Louise of Hudson and Douglas Dichard and his wife Tania of Nashua.

One daughter; Edie Marie Rainville and her husband Dennis of Nashua.

Fifteen grandchildren; Jeffrey Dichard, Seth Dichard and his wife Cynthia, Jami Dichard and his wife Kristi, Scott Dichard and his wife Ruth, Amy Guerette, Angela Dichard and her fiancée Patrick Alcide, Daniel Dichard and his wife Brandie, Mellissa Brien and her husband Matt, Kimberly Dichard and her boyfriend Brian Nickerson, Patrick Dichard, Stephanie Dichard, Robert Dichard, Jessica Dichard, Lindsey Rainville and Tyler Rainville.

Fifteen great-grandchildren; Dylan, Logan, Emma, Abbi, Scott, Kyliegh, Alyson, Ashlyn, Andrew, Chantal, Victoria, Ethan, Arianna, Alivia and Mya

Three step-grandchildren; Shaquile, Sharelize and Shanell.

One brother; Donald Dichard and his wife Lenore of Bedford, MA.

A sister-in-law; Elizabeth Berube of Oregon.

Also several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

SERVICES: Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 PM in the Anctil-Rochette & Son Funeral Home, 21 Kinsley St., Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday September 28, 2011 in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring St., Nashua at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Hudson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 26 Broadway 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004. To view an on-line obituary, send a condolence or for more information, go to www.anctil-rochette.com. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Anctil-Rochette & Son Funeral Home.