Ronald Lesser

Born on February 13, 1933, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Ronald was the proud son of Chester Lesser and Majori Anna (Bozek) and caring brother to his sisters, Sandra Katz, and Jaime Nezol.

Ronald led an exemplary life growing up in Holyoke working at his family’s legendary Lesser’s Bakery on High Street. As a highly recognized Holyoke High School Scholar Athlete in Football and Baseball in the early fifties, Ron achieved many accomplishments on the baseball diamond from pitching a No-Hitter, winning two Massachusetts State High School Baseball Championships in 1950 & 1953.

The Holyoke Knights were later elected to the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021. During that time, he met his beloved wife of sixty-two years, Pauline (Pouliot). Together they raised four wonderful children while embarking on a twenty-year military career throughout North America as a United States Air Force Navigator.

After graduating from Holyoke High School and Vermont Preparatory Academy, he enrolled in the ROTC program at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY where he was recognized for both his high academic and athletic accomplishments. This marked the beginning of a distinguished twenty-year military career with the United States Air Force.

Rising through the officer’s ranks, Ronald achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his career from 1956 to 1976,

Lieutenant Colonel Lesser earned numerous decorations, including the Air Force Master Navigator Wings, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Medal, Air Defense Command Patch, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

His military career included many top-secret flight missions

navigating his EC-121 Lockheed Constellation reconnaissance aircraft into global conflicts around the world especially during the Vietnam War era. He was known amongst his airmen and peers as a steadfast leader of impeccable integrity.

After retiring from active military duty in 1976, Ronald continued his education at Florida International University, graduating with a degree in the Food and Beverage industry. Initially, he worked at Red Lobster, LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY and later with nationally recognized companies, both Sexton and Sysco Foods in the South Florida market. From there, Ron and Pauline settled down for many years in South Florida.

His greatest legacy is his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and great grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of strength and compassion for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester, and Marjori Lesser, his wife of sixty-two-years, Pauline, his sister, Sandra Katz and living sister Jaime Nezol.

He is survived by his beloved children, Mark Lesser (Wife-Ruth), Kathleen Lesser-Trask, Stacey Lesser, and Dana Warren (Husband-Brian). His cherished grandchildren; Ryan Trask (Wife-Megan), Brett Trask, (Wife-Katherine) Lindsey Trask, Alyse Margetts (Husband-Phil), Loren Yacovone (Partner-Dustin), Karrie Schroeder (Husband -Will), and Kyle Lesser (Wife-Rachel). His great grandchildren; Ethan Trask, Rowan Trask, Willow Margetts, Logan Schroeder, Jack Schroeder, and D.J. Yaklin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations can be made in his honor to the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village Society, and the Fisher House Foundation.