Donald H. Dichard, 80 of Bedford, MA, died peacefully with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, September 6, 2012, at Lahey Clinic in Burlington. Don was born on October 16, 1931 in Hudson, NH, son of the late Edward and Christine (Rodgers) Dichard and brother of the late Edward Dichard, Jr.

Don graduated from Nashua High School in 1950 and soon joined the United States Air Force. After 20 years of active duty, including serving in the Korean War, Don retired in 1971. He then began a career as a systems analyst and management consultant; he also worked as an adjunct professor. Over the course of his military and private sector career, Don received degrees from Syracuse University, Northeastern University, and Western New England College. In 1983, at the age of 51, Don suffered a massive stroke; for the next 29 years, recovery was Don's full-time job.

From a young age, Don enjoyed participating in, coaching, and refereeing sporting events, from football to volleyball to baseball. He started the first girls' softball team on Hanscom Air Force Base. Prior to his stroke, Don was an avid golfer, and he continued to enjoy golfing even after the stroke paralyzed his right arm. He was an active and beloved member of the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Bedford, where he found comfort, support, and friendship.

Don felt that his greatest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Lenore (Whittemore) Dichard; his son Matthew; his daughters Dawn, Katrina with her husband Gustavo, and Neile with her husband John; his ten grandchildren; and his two great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, September 9th at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Road. A funeral service celebrating Don's life will be held at The First Church of Christ, 25 Great Road on Monday, September 10th at 10:00 am, with interment to follow at Shawsheen Cemetery in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) research in care of Doheny Eye Institute, 1450 San Pablo Street #3000, Los Angeles, CA 90033 or at support.doheny.org.