Lester Irwin Bluth

September 28, 1950 – October 9, 2026

Lester Irwin Bluth, known to most as Les, passed away on October 9, 2026, at the age of 76, just days after his birthday.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Les eventually made his way to Ohio, where he built his life and raised his family. An intelligent, outspoken, and endlessly stubborn man, Les had a personality that was impossible to ignore. He was quick-witted, extremely sarcastic, and never short on an opinion. He had a mind that was always working, a curiosity that never faded, and a way of looking at the world that could leave you wondering whether you were witnessing genius or complete insanity.

Les spent his career as an anesthesiologist, a profession that reflected his intelligence and dedication to medicine. Even after retirement, his curiosity never stopped. He continued reading medical journals and following developments in the medical field, always eager to learn more. He was a lifelong learner who never lost his interest in understanding the world around him.

A lifelong sports fanatic, Les grew up playing baseball and remained a devoted New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. He loved talking sports and, perhaps just as much, finding reasons to hate on Ohio State, a particularly entertaining pastime for someone who spent much of his life in Ohio. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and had a way of connecting with people from all walks of life. Beneath his sarcasm and strong opinions was someone who wanted to help others however he could.

Les also faced struggles that were not always visible to the people around him. He lived with mental health challenges and depression, and continuing forward was not always easy. Despite these struggles, he continued trying to get better, in part because of the love he had for his children and grandchildren. His life was a reminder that even the brightest minds and the strongest personalities can carry burdens that others may never fully understand.

Family was never a simple story for Les, but it remained an important part of his life. He is survived by his son, Jeremy Bluth, and daughter-in-law, Kelly Bluth; his daughter, Annie Bess, and son-in-law, Alex (AJ) Bess; his beloved grandchildren, Blaire Bess and Miles Bess; and his sister, Susan Vermut, with whom he reconnected in recent years.

Les loved his grandchildren, Blaire and Miles, and cherished his role as their Grandpa as best as he could. He wore a bracelet Blaire made for him every day, keeping it on his wrist until the day he passed away, a small but meaningful reminder of the love they shared.

Les often shared a lesson he had learned from his own family: Do not hold a grudge against family. It is advice his family tries to live by to this day.

Les’s passing leaves behind grief, unanswered questions, and the ache of a goodbye that never came. It also leaves behind memories, lessons, and reminders of the importance of reaching out to the people we love, even when relationships are difficult. His life was complicated, as was his relationship with those closest to him. He was a man of extraordinary intelligence, unmistakable personality, deep struggles, and a desire to help others. He was a father, a grandfather, a brother, a physician, a sports fan, and a person whose presence left an impression on those who knew him.

He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his sarcasm, his stubbornness, his love of medicine and sports, and the moments of connection that mattered most.

A private goodbye with family will take place on October 16, 2026.