William Lester

William Lester, 69, of Little Valley, New York died Monday morning, April 4, 2016 at the WCA Hospital, Jamestown, New York.

Born March 11, 1947 in Lackawanna, New York, he was the son of the late William and Eleanor Coyle Lester. He was married on January 31, 1970 in Buffalo, New York to the former Barbara Hessel, who survives.

He was a graduate of Cleveland Hill High School, Class of 1965.

Mr. Lester was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (Bronze Star), and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

He had been employed as a Pipe Fitter with the UA Local #22 in Buffalo, New York.

He was a lifetime member of the Little Valley VFW Post #8734, where he served as Chairman of the Board and past commander. He was also a member of the Little Valley American Legion Post #531, the Cattaraugus-Allegany Counties Joint Veterans Council, the Cortez Elks Post #1789, a lifetime and exempt member of the Little Valley Fire Department and the Cleveland Hill Fire Department, 6th District, Cheektowaga, New York.

Surviving besides his wife are: a son, Kyle (Penny Wu) Lester, Arvada, CO; three grandchildren, William Lester, Lucy Lester, Jake Lester, all of Arvada, CO; a sister, Joann (Dan) Glinski, Cheektowaga, NY; a brother, Jim (Madelyn) Lester, St. Charles, MO; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Jack Lester.

A memorial service will be held at the Holy Name of Mary Church, Ellicottville, New York on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ronald Mierzwa, pastor, officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery, Olean, New York.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8734 and the American Legion Post #531.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Little Valley VFW Post #8734, Route 353, Little Valley, NY 14755.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.