Chester E. Lenfestey Obituary (1925

ROCKLAND - Chester E. Lenfestey, Sr., 83, formerly of Jonesport, died Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at his home after long illness, with his wife Margaret at his side. Born at Beals, December 8, 1925, he was the son of Ewart G. and Mineola Beal Lenfestey. Educated in local schools, he was a 1943 graduate of Beals High School. He was an avid athlete while in school and found great pleasure as an adult serving as a basketball coach. During World War II, Mr. Lenfestey served in the United States Navy. About a year after his return from military duty, he married Margaret L. Gray at Jonesport, on August 12, 1948. The couple made their home at Beals Island where they began their family, until to moving to Jonesport in 1953. Except for living in Rockland between 1970 and 1977, Mr. Lenfestey made his home with his family in Jonesport until moving here seven years ago after suffering a stroke. Since that time he was grateful with the assistance of his loving family, allowing him to remain in his home. Throughout his working career, he worked as a lobsterman and commercial fisherman. For many years he lobstered out of Beals Island, Jonesport and Rockland. He also Captained the sardine carriers "Pauline" and "Quick Step II", as well as the lobster smack "A.C. McLoon", all out of Rockland. Throughout his life, he was active as an Elder in the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints, and pastored RLDS churches in Rockland and Jonesport. For several years, he attended Church of the Lamb of God in Jonesport. He enjoyed playing his guitar for friends and family and sometimes played in church. Devoted to his family, he looked forward each year to the Lenfestey Family Thanksgiving gathering, which usually included more than 50 people. His family reminisced that their father and mother always made their home open to anyone and those arriving at meal time, were always welcome at the Lenfestey table. Mr. Lenfestey was honored and lovingly revered as the head of the family. Other than his parents, Mr. Lenfestey was pre-deceased by two sisters, Lillian Huntley and Lavonne Billings. He is survived by his wife of 61 years; six children and their spouses, Chester E. Lenfestey, Jr. and Lois K. of Belgrade, Ralph Lenfestey and Gail of Warren, Lillian Jones and Sam Babbidge of Thomaston, Craig Lenfestey and Brenda of Easley, South Carolina, Beatrice Dodge and Clinton, Jr. of Rockland, Terra Ripley and Wayne of Warren; 14 grandchildren and their spouses, Laurie Roddy and Michael, Ralph Lenfestey and Toni, Ricky Jones and Christienne, Michelle McNeilly and Josh, Jared Lenfestey, Matthew Lenfestey and Carlyn, Jeffrey Lenfestey, Leah Mims and Michael, Kimberly Lenfestey, Joanna Starkloff and Eric, Greg Jones and Hannah, Clinton Dodge, III and Randi, Laura Dodge, Chelsea Ripley; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Verlan Lenfestey of Jonesport, Wilfred Lenfestey and his wife Olive of Beals; three sisters, Almena Alley and her companion Archie Alley, Jr. of Beals, Adele Alley and her husband Joseph of Columbia Falls, Joyce Alley and her husband Ralph of Beals; many nieces and nephews as well many beloved extended family. Friends and relatives are invited to visit this evening (Thursday) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2009. Interment will follow in West Rockport Cemetery, Park Street, West Rockport. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made Moosabec Boosters Club, c/o Jonesport - Beals High School, 180 Snare Creek Lane, Jonesport, ME 04649.