Haverhill, MA: Elmer R J Allard, 85, died on January, 1, 2012 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA, following a long illness.

Son of the late Simon and Rose (Lacerte) Allard, he was born, raised and educated in Haverhill and graduated from the former Haverhill Trade School. He served honorably in the United States Navy during WWII.

Mr. Allard was employed as a Pressman first for the Haverhill Gazette and later at the Boston Herald for thirty-nine years before his retirement.

Mr. Allard was a member of Saint James Parish, and the Holy Names Society, and the AmVets Post 47 of Haverhill. He enjoyed fishing and golfing and bowling.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years Arlene (Roy) Allard; two daughters Nancy A. Elliott and her husband, John of Haverhill and Patricia J. Albanese of Haverhill; daughter-in-law, Brenda Allard of Texas; grandchildren John Elliott, Jr, Ross Elliott, Stacey Moore, Mark Albanese and Dionna Allard; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by hisson, Paul W. Allard, a sister, Claire Hazen and son-in-law, Robert "Rocky" Albanese.

Relatives and Friends may call on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, from 5:00- 7:00 p.m. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill, MA. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Saint James Cemetery, Haverhill. To leave a message of condolence or for directions to our facility please visit our website at www.berubecomeau.com.