Donald R. Lester, 88, of Mattapoisett died July 15, 2007 at home after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Estelle H. (Boyer) Lester.
Born in Troy, NY, the son of the late Leroy and Elizabeth (Haire) Lester, he lived in Waltham most of his life before moving to Mattapoisett in 2002.
Mr. Lester was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church in Waltham, and attended the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. He sang in the choir at both churches.
He graduated from Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY with a degree in electrical engineering. As an engineer at Raytheon for many years, he helped develop the first microwave ovens. He later retired from the Massachusetts Department of Vocational Education.
Mr. Lester was a member and Past Master of Waltham Triad Lodge A.F. & A.M., Past Illustrious Master of Cryptic Council - Royal & Select Master Masons, Past High Priest of Triad Royal Arch Chapter - Newtonville, Past Commander of Gethsemane - DeMolay Commandery Number 7 Knights Templar and a member of Aleppo Shriners, A.A.O.N.M.S. of Wilmington, MA.
He was a ham radio operator, W1TSN, for more than 60 years and was a member of the WQST 1/2 Century Club. He also enjoyed golf and reading.
Mr. Lester served in the U.S. Army, 9th Army, 2nd Armored Division under General George S. Patton during World War II.
Survivors include his children, Donavon Lester of New Jersey, Deborah Scarff of Burlington, MA, Rebecca McCullough of Mattapoisett and Amory Lester of Waterbury, CT; a sister, Margaret Dalheim of Saranac Inn, NY; 4 grandchildren, Heather Bichsel, Christian McCullough, Marjorie Scarff and Michelle Lester; 4 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Howard Lester.
His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 4th at 11 AM in Christ Episcopal Church, 750 Main Street, Waltham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Christ Episcopal Church.