Richard Lester

Dick was born April 26, 1933, in Norwich, Connecticut. He was the son of the late Horace and Alice Lester. He was a brother to the late Edward Lester and an uncle to Bradley Lester.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953–1956 and later spent 31 years working for the State of Connecticut as a civil engineer, surveyor, and construction inspector. After retiring in 1992, he continued working for a local engineering firm for seven years.

In October 1998, Dick met Mary, beginning a beautiful relationship that lasted 28 years. Together, they enjoyed winters in Florida, where they made many wonderful friends, before returning each summer to Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Dick lovingly embraced Mary’s five children—Kathy, Donald, Beth, Kevin, and Tricia—and became a cherished grandfather to 12 grandchildren and great-grandfather to five, all of whom lovingly called him “Grandpa Dick.”

Dick had a lifelong love of sports and coaching. He played sports himself and especially enjoyed giving back by coaching youth in Norwich.

He also had a deep appreciation for antiques and history. He loved searching for unique pieces and discovering the stories behind them, finding a special reflection of another time in each treasure he collected.

He loved his beloved dogs, Aggie, Frankie, and Charlie, who were always close by his side.

Dick will be remembered for his kindness, gentle spirit, love of family, and the many lives he touched through friendship, coaching, and simply being there for others.

He was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and will forever be remembered as Grandpa Dick.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19th 2026, 10 AM at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich, CT. A celebration of life will be held following the service at 1 PM at Wethersfield Commons Clubhouse, 1 Williamsburg Dr, Warwick RI 02886. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association at all.com