EAST LONGMEADOW – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jonathan Taylor Lessard, (November 26, 1997-April 29, 2025) who left us far too soon on April 29th, 2025, at the age of 27, due to complications from severe diabetes.
Born on November 26th, 1997, in Springfield, MA, Jonathan was a beloved son to Maura Lessard (Missy Murphy) of Longmeadow, MA (partner Tim Dowd) and James R. Lessard (fiancée Donna Colbert) of Lee, MA. He was also a cherished grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. His warmth, humor, and creativity left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Jonathan was known for standing up for others—a trait that blossomed into a tender, thoughtful strength as he grew into adolescence and adulthood.
Jon loved being part of the wrestling and volleyball teams at East Longmeadow High School, from which he graduated in 2016. He attended Wilbraham schools during his elementary years. He later transferred to the New England Adolescent Research Institute (NEARI) for middle school—an experience that became a transformative part of his life. NEARI gave him the confidence and unconditional support he needed to thrive, and those years remained among his most cherished. A whiz at math, he often questioned why an answer didn’t count simply because he had worked it out in his head rather than showing his steps on paper.
After high school, Jonathan began building a future as a union carpenter apprentice. He took great pride in his work and the skills he developed. His passion for building started in early childhood when he spent countless joyful hours creating LEGO masterpieces, carving wood, constructing forts, and shaping snow igloos. Whether swimming and boating on summer days in Otis or building something with his hands, Jonny radiated energy and imagination.
He was also an active participant in the Ultimate Sports Program in Westfield, MA, where he helped peers with disabilities build confidence and lasting friendships. The Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke, MA played another vital role in Jonny’s early years, offering him connection, healing, strength, and a sense of safety.
At a very young age, Jonny was proud to help his mother with efforts to save Rice Farm, which he loved and hiked almost every day. It later became the Rice Nature Preserve with the help of the Minnechaug Land Trust and many volunteers and donors. He also played a role in clearing the trails along with members of the Stewardship Committee for the McDonald Farm Nature Preserve.
Jonathan had a special fondness for turtles, especially sea turtles. His favorite was the hawksbill turtle, and throughout his life, he collected over 200 turtle items of all kinds (but never live ones). We invite everyone to think of Jonny whenever you see a turtle or another reminder of his gentle and creative spirit.
Kind, caring, and genuinely funny, Jonathan brought light and laughter wherever he went. He had a deep love for creating—both with his hands and with his heart—and poured that same love into his relationships with family and friends. He was especially proud of his Toyota Tacoma truck, a symbol of his growing independence and appreciation for the things he worked hard to achieve.
Jon will be profoundly missed by his parents, extended family, and all those whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lucille and Rudy Lessard, and Jeanne and Gerard Murphy; his uncles, Tommy Murphy, Jerry Murphy, Mark Lessard (husband Sandy), and Tom Lessard (husband Jamie); and his beloved cousin, Dan Lessard (son of Mark and Sandy Lessard).
His biological siblings survive him: Michael, Nora, Jasmine, and Zion; his aunt and uncle, Kathy and Todd Tremblay; his uncle David Lessard (wife Wendy), Tim Lessard, Barry Lessard (wife Michelle), and Paul Lessard (wife Lynn); his aunts Pam Muniec Lessard, Sandy Lessard, Eileen Lessard Williams, and Maureen Keating Lessard, and surrogate Matount Doris and Uncle John Shecrallah; and many amazing and dedicated cousins, extended family members, and dearest friends—especially Sam Michalson, Mike Santamaria, and John Sullivan.
Jon’s memory will continue to live on in the stories we share, the things he built, and the love he gave so freely. Many of us have felt his presence since his passing, providing great comfort in knowing he is at peace and continues to love us deeply.
Many will remember Jonny signing “Drifting Away” by Dobie Gray at the Lessard Family Reunion and at other times throughout his life. So, sweet love, this one is for you…” Give me the beat, boys, and free my soul/I wanna get lost in your rock and roll/and drift away.”
Jonny, we love you in the whole wide world and hope you are having sweet, special dreams as you rest in peace. “WWW” and “SSD” were messages Jon frequently texted to his mom—his special way of expressing his ongoing love.
Jon, you are now surrounded by your loved ones who greeted you with open arms. Know that we are receiving your God winks, and we hope you’ll continue to be as present in spirit as you were in life.
We welcome family and friends to join us for his memorial on June 3rd from 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. at The Mandarin in Wilbraham, located at 2571 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095—one of his favorite restaurants, owned by his mom’s dear friends, Annie and Jimmy Gao. Please consider joining us at any time during those hours.
If you have any pictures of Jon, we kindly ask you to upload them to the CVS, Bliss Road, Longmeadow, MA, site to be picked up by his mom.
We are so very grateful for the outpouring of love, comfort, and support from our family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Donations in Jonathan’s memory can be made to:
- NEARI https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Nearischool
- The Therapeutic Equestrian Center https://tecriders.org/donate/
