The letter was short and sweet and a casual reader could be forgiven for not realizing Richard J. Lombard’s Nahant Board of Selectmen career set a town record with 40 years of service.
“Dear Nahant Citizens,
It has been my unique honor and privilege to have served my hometown all these many decades. I am truly grateful for the confidence you have shown in me.
As I retire, I wish all goodness and continuing prosperity to our beloved town.
Thank you
God Bless
Richard J Lombard”
Talk about modesty. The man who helped Nahant recover from the Blizzard of ’78’s aftermath and Proposition 2½’s fiscal blow can tell you all about the little town’s good times and hard times.
A Marine who spent 14 months in Vietnam, Lombard was elected in 1979 and did not serve on the board in 1989. For the remaining 40 years until his retirement announcement this spring, Lombard helped shape government in Nahant.
Prior to creating the town administrator’s job in 1992, the town turned to the Board of Selectmen to run local government. Government by volunteer saw Lombard and fellow board members push for the Causeway’s revitalization.
He also headed efforts to create Veterans Park in 2008 and the Richard Davis Memorial on East Point overlooking the ocean. Davis was a fellow Marine, killed serving in Vietnam.
Lombard’s service extended beyond the board to the Advisory Finance Committee, Memorial Day Committee, Nahant Lions Club, Short Beach Master Plan Committee, American Legion, the Little League Committee, the 4th of July Committee.
Richard Lombard kept his public service swan song short and simple. He deserves a lasting tribute from his town and we urge town residents to consider a way to honor Lombard as a veteran and civic-hearted volunteer.
