George Lester,'s Obituary
George H. Lester, Jr., 86, formerly of Stafford Springs, CT, beloved husband of the late Josephine (Scotlis) Lester, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2009 in Torrington, CT. He was born in Three Rivers, MA, son of the late George H. Sr. and Lillian (Gibouleau) Lester. George was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II serving as a First Lieutenant in the 10th Air Force. He received the DFC Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the President Unit Citation, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, and the American Defense Campaign Medal. He was a P47 Pilot with 111 combat missions, and former president of Stavets and later Amvets. George worked as a building and roofing contractor for 30 plus years. He was a member of St. Edward Parish, Strazza, Tonoli-Emhoff Post No. 26 American Legion, V.F.W. Post No. 9990 of Stafford, and spent nearly 40 years with the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Leader. He was also a former member of the Stafford Springs Court of Burgess. In May of 2008, George was one of 100 World War II veterans to fly to Washington D.C. with the American Warrior Honor Flight. George is survived by his three children, Harold Lester and his wife Linda of South Daytona, FL, George H. "Buddy" Lester III of Palmer, MA, and Donna Potwin and her husband Arthur of Harwinton, CT; three grandchildren, Kerry Boudreau and her husband Alan, Dulcey Kingett and her husband Peter, and Jessica Vincent and her husband Jeffrey; six great grandchildren, Stephanie, Samantha, Madison, Hayden, Matthew, and Charlotte; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Edmund Lester; and a sister, Evelyn LaBonte. A calling hour will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2009 from 9:30-10:30 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. at St. Edward Church, High St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Warrior Connecticut Honor Flight, 35 Main St., P.O. Box 337, Versailles, CT 06383. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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