Jeremiah R. Lester

Jeremiah Raymond Lester, a potato farmer and master carpenter, died at Southampton Hospital on Monday following a short illness. He was 94. 

Throughout his life, Mr. Lester, who was born on the Lester homestead on Skimhampton Road and lived in East Hampton all of his life, enjoyed many old-time Bonac pursuits including woodworking, clamming, duck hunting with his American water spaniels, and picking beach plums, cranberries, and wild blueberries from his secret spots. 

A lifelong member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton and an active member of the East Hampton Fire Department for 35 years, Mr. Lester was also a 50-year member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization. He served as the group’s Noble Grand for the Hampton Lodge, and as district deputy for the I.O.O.F. Suffolk district. 

Mr. Lester graduated with honors from East Hampton High School in 1939 and joined the family potato-farming business. In 1957, he started a career as a carpenter. When he retired from carpentry, he took up baking, and was well known for the homemade pies he whipped up for family gatherings, church covered-dish suppers, and fund-raising events.

A son of Raymond M. Lester and Ethel Guyer Lester, he was a direct descendant of both the Round Swamp Lesters and the Pantigo Lesters, two families with long local roots. He was born at home on Oct. 28, 1921. On May 19, 1946, he married Mary Louise Elley, also of East Hampton. 

Mrs. Lester survives. Mr. Lester is also survived by a daughter, Margaret L. DiCorleto of Tennessee; a son, Jerry (Jay) R. Lester of New Jersey, and two grandchildren. A sister, Mary L. Byrnes of East Hampton, also survives. A brother, Samuel G. Lester, died before him.

A private graveside service was to take place this morning at 11, at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton, the Rev. Denis Brunelle officiating. The family has suggested memorial donations to the East Hampton Village Ambulance Association, 1 Cedar Street, East Hampton 11937.