Thomas Lester

Thomas E. "Tom" Lester, 84, formerly a longtime resident of Ilion and Oneida Lake, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2005, at the Presbyterian Home, town of New Hartford. Tom was born Aug. 17, 1920, in Detroit, Mich., son of the late Elliott and Frances (VanDelinder) Lester. He was a graduate of Ilion High School. Tom was a proud World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Navy from 1942-46 as an aviation machinist mate third class with the VPB 209 Squadron. He was the recipient of the Combat Air Crew Insignia, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and, on Oct. 3, 2004, was presented the NYS Medal of Merit at his VFW Post. On Nov. 13, 1948, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Eysaman at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk. They shared a special and devoted union of almost 47 years until Carolyn's passing on Sept. 16, 1995. He was employed as a toolmaker at Remington Arms Co., Ilion, retiring in 1980. At one time Tom was co-owner and co-operator of Reynolds and Lester Garage in Ilion for many years. He later owned and operated T. Lester and Sons of Ilion. In his early years, he attended the Ilion Baptist Church, and later attended the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion and St. Mary's of the Lake in Verona Beach. A dedicated and concerned citizen, Tom was elected as a trustee in the village of Ilion for many years, and also served as mayor. He was a former member of the Ilion Light Commission, a 58-year member of the Ilion Volunteer Fire Department, a former member of the Volunteer Fire Department Marching Band, the Ilion Moose Lodge 1010, Ilion American Legion Post 920, life member of the Yorkville VFW Post 6001, former president and secretary of the Kyser Beach Association, a charter member of the Do Nothing Club, a member of a special group of friends called "The Beavers," and at one time was an avid bowler and softball player. Tom was known as a devoted and dedicated family man. He loved to laugh, and enjoyed the camaraderie of his family and many acquaintances. Surviving are his two daughters and son-in-law, Barb Lester of Oneida Lake and Carol (Lester) Swart and her husband Keith of Florida; four sons and daughters-in-law, John and Diane Lester of Florida, Thomas II and Cathleen Lester, Charles "Chuck" and Marion Lester, all of Ilion, David and Pamela Lester of Ohio; 17 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two sisters and one brother-in-law, Betty Pozniak of Frankfort and Leola and Robert "Bob" Reynolds of Ilion, and several nieces, nephews and many friends, including his special friend, Father Robert Bogan. Family and friends are invited to Tom's calling hours on Sunday, April 10, from 3-6 p.m. at the Applegate and Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion. Funeral services will be held Monday commencing at 9 a.m. at the funeral home and at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Anthony Barratt, pastor. Procession to Mohawk Cemetery for interment with full military honors accorded by the U.S. Navy will follow Mass. Members of the Ilion Volunteer Fire Department will pay their respects at 5 p.m. on Sunday, and the Yorkville VFW Post service will commence at 5:30 p.m., both at the Applegate and Day Funeral Home, Ilion. Tom's family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone at the Presbyterian Home and Dr. Taylor for the excellent and professional loving care provided during his stay. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorials in Tom's name to the Ilion Volunteer Fire Department or the Presbyterian Home. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.