Richard S. Lester, of Sellersville, formerly of O’ahu, Hawaii, passed away Thursday evening, October 15, 2015, in Grand View Hospital, West Rockhill Township. He was the beloved husband of Janice L. Bagoly- Lester. He was 68.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Sherwood F. and Muriel C. R. (Rodriguez) Lester.

As a youngster, Rick had apprenticed with stone masons. In high school, he lettered in football and won awards for swimming and diving.

Mr. Lester was a U. S. Army veteran and POW, having served in the Special Operations Forces as a Green Beret and Army Ranger in Vietnam. His Army service saw him traveling the world on various assignments.

Later, he built fine homes, worked on a farm, trained horses, and tried harness racing.

Rick had been employed as a psychologist for Penn Foundation, of Sellersville. He had also worked as an informational, motivational speaker for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Prior to that, he had worked for the CIA.

Mr. Lester was a member of Calvary Church, of Souderton, where he had volunteered in many capacities.

A member of MADD, Rick was also one of the founding members of DEEP (Drug Education Effective Program). A volunteer advocate for the disabled, Rick worked with the city of Philadelphia to assure curb cuts were correctly in place. He was also instrumental in the installation of a wheelchair accessible design for safe fishing in Lake Nockamixon State Park.

A Mason, Mr. Lester had been a member of the Schofield, Hawaii Masonic Lodge.

An avid shotgun enthusiast, especially sporting clays, Rick had also enjoyed sky diving. A history buff, he was very interested in politics and local and foreign affairs.

Rick was a talented gourmet cook. With his wife, he had logged many miles “day tripping” to many state parks. When able, he had enjoyed evenings at the Walnut Street Theater.

Mr. Lester had happily supported the Philadelphia Orchestra, the James A. Michener Art Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Mercer Museum.

A classic Renaissance man, Rick spoke five languages. He had enjoyed extensive studying of the Bible as a reflection of his “bullet proof” faith. Rick had often remarked that the Sunday services and sermons of the Calvary Church pastor were the highlight of his week.

Despite his extensive travels as a young man, Rick had settled comfortably into small town life and become very fond of the Sellersville area.

Mr. Lester cared deeply for people and shared his experiences as the compromised victim of a drunk driver and as a cancer survivor during his presentations. Most especially, he adored his daughters and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Lester is survived by his two children: Lindsey E. Link and her husband, Chad, of Mechanicsburg; Kathryn S. Sarnak and her husband, Chris, of Howell, NJ; three grandchildren: Brianna, Ian, and Jake; his mother-in-law, Nancy Bagoly, of Harleysvile; and his chocolate Lab, “Haliewa.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Lester.

There are no local services. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Lester’s name may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P. O. Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028 or to Calvary Church Benevolent Fund, 820 Souderton Road, Souderton, PA 18964.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard S. Lester, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Affiliations