John Joseph Lester

John Lester, born on March 26, 1953, in Tarrytown, New York, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the cherished son of Joseph Lester and Mary (Yarabek), both of whom are deceased.

John was a devoted husband to Catherine Lester (Coughlin) and a loving father to his three sons: Daniel Lester and his wife Angela of Valhalla, New York; Eric Lester and his wife Samantha of Thornwood, New York; and Christopher Lester and his wife Jacqueline of Valhalla, New York. He was a proud grandfather to Nasir Clarkson, Aidan, and Kieran Lester of Valhalla, and Steven and David Lester of Thornwood. John is also remembered fondly by his sister, Rosanne Peterson of Bakersfield, California, and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Lester.

John dedicated 41 years to public service, beginning with the Westchester County Department of Corrections in 1976. Later, he was appointed as a police officer for Conrail Railroad in 1978 and transitioned to the Metro North Police Department in March, 1990 where he was promoted to Sergeant. In January, 1998 he continued his position as sergeant with the Metropolitan Transit Authority retiring in 2016. Additionally, John was a lifetime member of the Thornwood Fire Department, having joined in 1972, where he formed many lasting friendships.

He was an avid golfer and bowler and had a passion for travel, visiting locations such as Alaska, England, Ireland, Wales, and enjoying several cruises. Some of his happiest memories were the summers spent with his family at Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

In honor of John's memory, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Rosary Hill Home, 600 Linda Avenue, Hawthorne, New York 10532.

John Lester's steadfast dedication to his family, friends, and community leaves a lasting legacy of love and service. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Please visit the website of Holy Name of Jesus to watch the mass livestreamed.

https://holynameofjesuschurch.com