MECHANICVILLE - Gary N. Lester, 79, of Hemstreet Park, entered into eternal rest on January 5, 2023, with his loving and faithful family at his side. Born on July 13, 1943, son of the late Newil and Laurenthia Perrault Lester, he was born and raised in Malone, NY.
Gary joined the US Army shortly after high school and proudly served his country, fulfilling his obligation and being honorably discharged in 1963. He then began a long 37 year career in law enforcement, first with the Village of Malone, the Franklin County Sheriff Department and then in the Federal Protective Service. Upon moving to Hemstreet Park, he began a 15 year career with the NYS Department of Corrections, working as an Investigator, and lastly with the Town of Stillwater Police Department, where he retired as a Sergeant. Gary was also a part time employee of Mechanicville Schools as a safety/resource officer in his later years. He loved the opportunity to keep his local communities safe and cherished the relationships created throughout his career. A man dedicated to the concern and safety of others, he and his wife Elaine had raised over 15 foster children throughout the years.
An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, he was a member of the Buttermilk Falls Hunting Club and was a Hunter Education Instructor for the 4-H program. He also enjoyed camping trips in the Adirondacks. Gary enjoyed his many successful guided hunting adventures with his son Gary in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alberta, Canada in pursuit of elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, antelope, and moose.
A member of the Super Sams RV Club, he and Elaine had taken two cross country trips, stopping at national landmarks along the way. A good country dancer, Gary was also a former member of AMVETS, the Malone Moose Lodge, and the Mechanicville Stillwater Elks Lodge.
Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine Denny Lester, whom he married on June 12, 1965, children Gary Lester(Christina Randal) of Moscow, ID, Tracy Bove Mysliwiec(Duane) of Mechanicville, and Jonathan Lester(Andrea) of Stillwater, grandchildren Emilee Randal, Michael and Matthew Bove, and Matthew Lester, and his canine companion “Bella”. Also his siblings Barbara Lester, Gerald(Shirley) Lester, Judy(Henry) Gonyea, Sheila McMahon, Laura(Barry) Armstrong, David(Jackie) Lester, and many nieces and nephews, and their families.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4-7PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville, NY 12118. A Funeral Home Service on Wednesday at 10AM will be followed by military honors and burial at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204 in memory of Gary N. Lester.