RIP Richard Lester

 

Dale Woodward Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

October 13, 2023

 

Born in Willimantic, CT on April 3, 1945, Richard Irwin Lester. Jr. passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, at the age of 78. Richard experienced life to the fullest. After graduating from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, he entered the education profession, where he spent many years teaching. In addition to working as an educator, his other careers included radio/TV broadcasting, acting, and serving as a commissioned law enforcement ranger with the National Park Service at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. Richard was an avid reader and student of history. His firm belief was that the future could learn from the past. He authored and published nine non-fiction books, half of which focused on the Second World War. Together with his son, Gary, he formed Blue Heron International Pictures, a video production company that produced a number of award- winning documentaries. They also created a popular father/son podcast titled Richard & Gary's Incredible Stories. Richard also completed graduate degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi and Nova University in Miami. He was a member of the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA). Richard is pre-deceased by his father, Richard Irwin Lester, Sr. and his mother, Clare B. Lester. His faithful cat, Leo, who Richard often said was growing old with him, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in 2020. Survivors include his wife, Ann; daughter, Amber; son, Gary and wife, Danielle; and grandson, Oliver Wallace Lester. Donations of remembrance may be made to Journey's End Animal Sanctuary.

LESTER, Richard

Born: 4/3/1945, Willimantic, Connecticut, U.S.A.

Died: 10/9/2023, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.A.

 

Richard Letsr’s western – actor:

Silverado – 1985 (saloon patron)